Budget cuts stretch biosecurity staff to the limit

Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff was today accused of ignoring the serious impact budget cuts are having on Tasmania’s quarantine and customs services.

“Tasmania’s ability to fight the drug trade and prevent the spread of disease has been severely compromised because of the Government’s so-called new approach to biosecurity,” Labor Leader Bryan Green said.

“These cuts have stretched quarantine staff to the absolute limit.

“Mr Rockliff has turned his back on front line biosecurity staff who are bearing the brunt of budget cuts.

Mr Rockliff refused to answer questions in Parliament today about how many biosecurity jobs have been lost because of the Government’s budget cuts.

“Claims by Mr Rockliff that he has significantly increased the biosecurity budget are tricky and deceitful.

“Biosecurity has had to absorb the whole of the invasive species branch in its budget placing enormous pressure on front line staff.

“The fact is that under Mr Rockliff’s watch, the Liberals have cut so deeply there are concerns there are now not enough biosecurity staff on the ground.

“For Mr Rockliff to dismiss these concerns as ‘scaremongering’ are shameful.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader