Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes has failed to guarantee the job security of soil scientists at AgriBio and groundwater and salinity research staff in Bendigo.
Today in Question Time, Minister Symes dodged questions about the rumoured jobs cuts from Agriculture Victoria. The Minister’s refusal of ongoing support to these important functions is risking Victoria’s ability to assist farmers in adapting to a changing climate.
Comments attributable to the Leader of the Nationals, Peter Walsh:
“It’s a sad day for farmers when Andrews’ Agriculture Minister fails to fight for the jobs of our agricultural scientists.
“The soil scientists at AgriBio are doing important work that is vital to Victorian farmers playing an active role in climate change mitigation through storing carbon. These jobs should be supported.
“Agriculture Victoria research staff can be assured that the Liberal Nationals will fight for their jobs, even if Andrews won’t.”