The Liberal Government has admitted cutting jobs to Tasmania’s quarantine service and forcing staff to do more with less resources.
“Jeremy Rockliff revealed today that eight positions have been made redundant and that staff are being multi skilled to take on extra work,” Shadow Minister for Primary Industries David Llewellyn said.
“This is putting undue stress on staff and threatens to undermine Tasmania’s brand and our pest and disease free status.
“In opposition, Jeremy Rockliff, was unequivocal about the need for stronger biosecurity and quarantine services but will not commit to fully restoring staff numbers.
“Mr Rockliff is only looking to fill three vacancies, which will still leave the frontline chronically under-resourced.
“At a time when we need to be more vigilant than ever against threats to our biosecurity, Mr Rockliff is in denial over the increased pressure on staff because of Government cuts.
“Mr Rockliff should know better than anyone that protecting our primary industries from pests and diseases is just as important as efforts to grow the sector.”
David Llewellyn MP Shadow Minister for Primary Industries
