Queensland job cuts put Australia's biosecurity 'at risk'

21/08/2012 - Potential job cuts in Queensland's department of agriculture will put Australia's biosecurity at risk, the Senate has been told.

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Federal Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig attacked Queensland Premier Campbell Newman during Senate question time on Monday, after reports that as many as 550 jobs in the state's Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Department could go.

"That amounts to one-fifth of the department's capacity," Senator Ludwig told the Senate.

He said Newman had pledged to defend front-line services from cuts.

"He has changed the decade-long definition of `front-line' with the purpose to only cut jobs," Senator Ludwig said.

The minister said he had written to his Queensland counterpart, John McVeigh, a fortnight ago about his concerns but was yet to receive a response.

"Biosecurity is an important issue and it isn't one to play politics with," Senator Ludwig said.

Source: AAP

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Have your say...

Blackie | 21/08/2012 10:22 1

Another weak State Government that is following Victoria's short-sighted decision of a 20% reduction in the number of employees at the Dept of Sustainability and Environment. Our agricultural resources are at risk by penny pinching, while the payouts to consultants in State Government departments is increasing.

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