The NSW Nationals are calling on the Minns Labor Government to guarantee it won’t make cuts across regional NSW as part of its review into research stations and emergency response sites.
An announcement last week revealed a panel of independent experts will be tasked with ‘developing a renewed strategy’ with an initial report due back by the end of the year.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty was quizzed on the issue during a Budget Estimates hearing today where she refused to rule out job losses or selling off land and facilities.
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said her response was extremely concerning.
“The Minns Labor Government has tried to hide the fact it will be overhauling our state’s research strategy and what’s worse, that jobs could be on the chopping block,” Mr Saunders said.
“I was very disappointed to see the Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW failing to fight for the people she represents by not giving any assurances that their roles will be protected.
“We are lucky enough to have world-leading researchers and scientists here in NSW, working every day to keep our primary industries safe.
“Cuts to jobs and selling off research sites will heavily impact our ability to deal with major biosecurity threats, leaving our farmers and communities at risk.”
Nationals MLC Sam Farraway said Minister Moriarty also refused to recognise Orange as the home of DPI.
“Since the 1960’s, DPI has been headquartered in Orange, with the building now named after former NSW Nationals leader and Deputy Premier Ian Armstrong AM OBE,” Mr Farraway said.
“By failing to acknowledge this, Ms Moriarty is attempting to undo Mr Armstrong’s legacy of serving and representing the people of regional NSW.”
