Science Minister Greg Hunt insists an order to the CSIRO to focus on climate research came from the very top and reflects the focus of the new government.
The directive, which comes with $37 million over a decade and 15 new jobs, was jointly developed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Mr Hunt, who both have "strong views" on climate science.
But it isn't expected to save scientists who have already lost their jobs.
Mr Hunt is refusing to admit chief executive Larry Marshall's decision earlier this year to cut climate change research had damaged the science body's reputation.
