The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
Catryna Bilyk, Senator for Tasmania
The Hon Carol Brown, Senator for Tasmania
The Federal Government's icebreaking research vessel, the RSV Nuyina, will depart next week with 60 scientists on board heading to conduct globally important science in Antarctica's Denman Glacier region.
In last year's federal budget, the Albanese Government expanded the Antarctic science program.
This included an additional $17.6 million to enable the Nuyina to undertake more expeditions for scientific research, including its first dedicated marine science voyage to the Denman Glacier.
If this glacier melts, sea levels could rise by 1.5 metres - making this research trip more important than ever.
The research will help understand factors affecting the melt rate of this critically important glacier. Scientists will also conduct projects like sea floor mapping, tagging seals with ocean monitoring devices, and sampling of trace animal DNA in the water to find out what lives in the area.
The voyage brings together scientists from the Australian Antarctic Division, Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, The Australian Antarctic Program Partnership and the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science.
The voyage leaves Burnie on February 27 and returns to Hobart in early May.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Environment and water, Tanya Plibersek MP:
"The Denman Glacier is globally significant, but sadly it's under threat from climate change.
"We know the decline of this glacier doesn't just impact Antarctic region - it could affect the Southern Ocean and even the world's ecosystems.
"That's why the Albanese Labor Government is investing $17.6 million to enable the Nuyina to undertake more expeditions for scientific research - including the first dedicated marine science voyage to the Denman Glacier.
"This is one of Australia's most ambitious scientific endeavours in decades, sending an elite group of researchers to one of the world's most remote places.
"They'll be chasing answers to the big questions surrounding the future of the Denman Glacier.
"This is part of the Government's $1.5 billion investment in Antarctic science. Antarctic and Southern Ocean science has never been more important, and I'm proud of Australia's contribution as a leader in this field.
"We know funding Antarctic and Southern Ocean research is great for the economy too. The sector employs 1,000 Tasmanians and generates $183 million for the Tasmanian economy every year."
Quotes attributable to Senator Carol Brown:
"Tasmania has a long and proud history as Australia's Antarctic gateway, and the Australian Antarctic Division and RSV Nuyina are a big part of that. They're uniquely Tasmanian and strong employers of Tasmanians. I'm proud to back jobs right here in our state.
"The Albanese Government believes in making decisions based on science. That's why we're investing in critical Antarctic research-to better understand climate change and its impact on our planet.
"This voyage is another example of our government's commitment to Antarctic research. We're investing $188 million in Macquarie Wharf 6 to secure Tasmania's role as Australia's Antarctic gateway and ensure RSV Nuyina has the infrastructure it needs to support world-leading science."
Quotes attributable to Senator Catryna Bilyk:
"Antarctic and Southern Ocean research makes a vital contribution to our understanding of the global impacts of climate change. When it comes to understanding the way climate change affects our world, Antarctica is the canary in the coal mine.
"As a Tasmanian, I am proud of Hobart's role as the gateway to Antarctica. I am also proud of the important investments the Albanese Labor Government is making in securing Hobart's place as the centre of Antarctic science and backing this world-leading research and the talented scientists who are undertaking it."
