| August 7, 2018
Agriculture Department confusion risks WA grain industry
Massive budget cuts and mismanagement within the Agricultural and Fisheries Biosecurity and Integrity Division are placing Western Australia’s grain industry at serious risk, according to Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Ian Blayney.
“Farmers are concerned that the tens of millions of dollars they contribute through levies for crop protection are being allocated incorrectly or inefficiently, while peak industry groups are concerned planned budget cuts will undermine pest and disease control,” Mr Blayney said.
“Peak bodies are saying the new Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development mega department, created under the McGowan Government’s machinery of government changes, has no clear direction, the wrong priorities and is being hampered by budget cuts.
“Grower groups are concerned about potential threats to our $5 billion grain crops industry as a result of this confusion and lack of direction.”
Mr Blayney said the grain industry was one of the State’s largest economic sectors and efficient and effective pest and disease controls were imperative.
“This requires investment and leadership from the State Government,” Mr Blayney said.
“Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan has cut the Agricultural and Fisheries Biosecurity and Integrity Division budget from $78 million this year to $49 million within three years.
“This is a recurrent expenditure cut of 37 per cent which is simply not enough for the division to continue operating effectively.”
Mr Blayney said on top of the massive budget cuts, the number of full-time staff in the biosecurity division had been cut by nine this financial year.
“I am concerned key responsibilities of the biosecurity division are being neglected while the Minister focuses on animal welfare issues,” Mr Blayney said.
“Maybe the Minister should focus a little less on her vanity projects and a little more on getting the basics right for agriculture and regional development.
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