CSIRO aims to ‘accelerate commercialism’ in new strategy as staff decry scientific diversion

Government body denies business-over-science' approach but failed to inform federal minister of change in focus

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Australia's leading science agency, the CSIRO, has unveiled a significant" new working model to promote commercial deals, in a move towards reliance on external funding that one top scientist claims will be crippling".

Guardian Australia understands the focus shift has been done without informing the science minister, Ed Husic.

Sign up for our free morning newsletter and afternoon email to get your daily news roundup