The crisis in Biosecurity Tasmania is deepening with reports recruiting of eight new staff has been put on hold.
“People working at Biosecurity Tasmania are under enough stress and they need suitably qualified and experienced staff to ease the pressure,” Mr Green said.
“Why have advertisements for extra staff been pulled?
“Is it because Mr Rockliff is still in denial over the lack of resources, having repeatedly stated there were no staff resourcing issues?
“If there are no staffing issues, why were the jobs advertised in the first place?
“Labor has been warning the Government of the problems in Biosecurity for more than a year.
“The Minister for Primary Industries Jeremy Rockliff must take control of his portfolio and act immediately to address funding issues and plummeting staff morale.
“Mr Rockliff initially claimed he knew nothing of a $1.9 million budget deficit in his department after it was revealed in leaked minutes from a meeting of senior managers.
“This is further evidence of a communication breakdown between Mr Rockliff and Biosecurity Tasmania and demonstrates he is not across his portfolio.
“The impact of the Liberal Government’s cuts and reorganisation of Biosecurity Tasmania are obvious to everyone except Mr Rockliff.
“The prospect of Biosecurity Tasmania being forced to cut programs and jobs will put the security and growth of our primary industries at serious risk.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
