His five-year appointment as chairman of Australia's national science agency begins in November. The CSIRO board has seven members, including Mr Thodey and chief executive Larry Marshall, who began his term in January. Mr Thodey, however, avoided the delicate question of how much revenue CSIRO ought to be making. For decades, scientists and politicans have debated whether Australia's flagship scientific organisation should be devoted to pure scientific research regardless of cost or a break-even commercial business. Currently, CSIRO makes about one-third of its revenue, the shortfall funded by government. Mr Macfarlane took the question instead. "It's a bit unfair to David because he hasn't actually seen the books," he said. "CSIRO currently cover about one-third of their budget...it would be good for both industry and science and CSIRO if they were able to increase that." Mr Thodey added that "that doesn't mean you don't need pure scientific research. It's critically important that you have that opportunity to have great scientists doing that research."

CSIRO Staff Association Secretary Sam Popovski said that the Association "welcomes the appointment of Mr Thodey." "CSIRO continues to suffer the effects of heavy cuts to funding, jobs and research. Alongside new Chief Executive Larry Marshall, the challenge for Mr Thodey is to provide leadership and repair confidence. "Staff morale at CSIRO remains low, with the workforce reeling from the loss of one in five jobs over the past two years." Mr Popovski also said that Mr Thodey would also face challenges in protecting staff against the Government's push to cut CSIRO working conditions and championing the cause of scientific integrity within political and policymaking circles. Mr Macfarlane described Mr Thodey as "one of Australia's most well-known and respected businessmen ... he will bring a wealth of industry acumen to Australia's peak science agency as it plays an increasingly central role in maximising our economic opportunities and industry growth."

He said Australia needed to lift the rate of collaboration between industry and researchers. "CSIRO is at the heart of this process and Mr Thodey's appointment to work alongside our nation's most respected scientists will further enhance our record on collaboration and commercialisation. "Mr Thodey is an innovative Australian businessman and an experienced board chairman and senior executive who offers expertise in management, corporate and government relations, information and communications technology, and sales and marketing. "Mr Thodey's experience in building business networks will be valuable to CSIRO as it implements its new 2020 Strategy." Mr Thodey said that he felt "privileged and honoured to be asked to contribute to the future of the CSIRO, an outstanding community of researchers and scientists.