Page calls on NSW Labor Government to spell out regional job cuts
Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Member for Ballina Don Page has called on the NSW Labor Government to specify the regional jobs set to be axed under a plan to cull 5000 public sector positions.
Mr Page said Premier Iemma must identify which Government agencies will be forced to cull staff numbers in regional NSW.
“These job cuts will be felt more severely in regional areas than in Sydney,” Mr Page said.
“It’s not only the loss of jobs, it’s the flow-on effect this can have on regional communities.
“One job loss can result in a family leaving the area which then affects other jobs.
“Sydney can absorb the job losses, but regional areas will feel the pinch much more severely.”
Mr Page also expressed concern over the amalgamation of the State and Regional Development Department with the Ministries for Science, Medical Research and Tourism.
“Rolling Regional and State Development in with other agencies is indicative of where the NSW Labor Government’s priorities lie.”
“They are quite happy to see Regional Development lost in some super-agency.
“Rather than being diluted, a senior Minister should in be in charge of Regional Development to ensure it receives the attention it deserves.
“To date, Labor’s lack of commitment to Regional Development is clear.
“The NSW Labor Government has cut subsidies for small and large towns under the Country Town Water Supply and Sewerage Scheme and closed the Casino to Murwillumbah rail service.
“They have also overseen a 33 per cent job reduction over the past decade in the Department of Agriculture.
“The announcement of the amalgamation only adds to the NSW Labor Government’s failure to recognise the importance of Regional Development.”
