NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said Labor’s restructuring of the Department of Regional NSW is yet another example of Chris Minns treating people from the regions as second-class citizens.
From July 1, the Department of Regional NSW will be renamed the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The Department of Regional NSW was established by The Nationals in government in 2020 with the goal of making regional NSW “an even better place to live, work, play, and invest in.”
Mr Saunders said it’s clear the new Department will be coordinated from Sydney by the city-centric Premier.
“This is hard to believe, given during the election campaign he (the premier) said ‘I don’t pretend to have any expertise about regional New South Wales.'” Mr Saunders said.
“Instead of providing any funding for the creation of this new Department, the Minns Labor Government has opted to drain the money left in the former Nationals Government’s Regional Growth Fund.
“The Regional Growth fund provided grants to improve local and regional services, promote economic development and social cohesion, and enhance the wellbeing of people living and working in regional NSW.
“This money is now being directed towards a restructure that will cause only angst for hundreds of regional workers and their families.
“We already know Labor’s functional review has put more than 100 jobs on the chopping block and now Premier Minns needs to be upfront about how many more are on the way.”
Mr Saunders said we need to see some clarity around how these changes are going to help our farmers, fishers, and foresters.
Mr Saunders has also thanked Rebecca Fox for her outstanding service and contribution to regional NSW.
Ms Fox, born and raised in Condobolin, was appointed Secretary of the Department of Regional NSW in December 2022, but has lost her job in Labor’s restructure.
Mr Saunders said Ms Fox always put the interests of regional NSW at the forefront of decision making.
“I worked closely with her during my time as a Minister and wish her all the best for the future.”
