Museum cuts withdrawn
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The SA Government has abandoned a controversial plan to restructure the South Australian Museum.
The state has given up its plan - which involved cutting 27 jobs from its Research and Collections division - following significant public protests and opposition from staff, union members, and the wider community.
Opponents said the cuts would undermine the Museum’s academic and archival functions.
The reversal comes after Premier Peter Malinauskas ordered a review in April.
The review was led by Chief Executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Damien Walker, with South Australia's Chief Scientist, Professor Craig Simmons, and Queensland Museum CEO Dr Jim Thompson as advisers.
The Review Panel delivered six key recommendations, the foremost being to halt all restructuring efforts.
The government has accepted all recommendations.
“There is widespread agreement that the museum must evolve for the future... in a way that inspires the confidence of the broader community, key stakeholders, and Museum staff,” Malinauskas said.
This decision is seen as a major victory for museum employees and stakeholders.
Earlier this year, members of the Public Service Association protested against the planned cuts, demanding government intervention.
In response to the review, the government has committed $4.1 million over two years to support museum operations and fund strategic planning, including marketing an international exhibition.
The state says no further functional changes will be made to the Research and Collections division until a new strategic plan is created. This plan will be developed through consultation with staff, donors, and other stakeholders.
The government has also pledged to strengthen partnerships with South Australian universities and seek additional funding from donors and corporations to ensure research remains a priority.
There will be an asset management study to consider improving the Museum’s exhibition spaces.
Kim Cheater has resigned as Chair of the Museum Board, with Professor Robert Saint, a distinguished geneticist and molecular biologist, appointed as the new presiding member.
Saint, who recently retired from Flinders University, is expected to bring fresh leadership to the Museum.
“What has been absolutely clear throughout this process is how much South Australians love and value the Museum. As a government, we have acted to ensure it will continue to be a world-class cultural institution,” Arts Minister Andrea Michaels said.
Former Museum Chair Robert Champion de Crespigny praised the decision, saying; “The events of this year have demonstrated the deep affection that South Australians hold for their Museum. I’ve never seen the Museum community more united’.
The full review is accessible in PDF form, here.