RURAL INDUSTRIES DOWNGRADED IN MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENT

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Labor’s disregard for rural industries has again been shown by the addition of the responsibility for Population to the portfolio of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry.

Under the Howard Government, the portfolio of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry was one of the most important in the government with three Ministers administering a very large portfolio which has a direct relevance to rural and regional Australia.

In a direct insult to rural and regional industries, Mr Rudd had on attaining office downgraded the portfolio of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry to a ‘one minister’ portfolio.

Now he has added insult to injury by adding the new portfolio of Population, to the already busy portfolio of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

For some time, constituents have complained to me that it is practically impossible to get in to see Mr Bourke on any agriculture, fisheries or forestry related matter. 

As a former Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, I am well aware of the workload in the portfolio.

In the previous government, there was a Minister dealing specifically with agriculture matters, another Minister dealing with the fisheries, forestry and conservation, and a Parliamentary Secretary with specific responsibility for a number of Research and Development organisations and other issues.

By appointing a politician representing an electorate next door to the Sydney airport, as Agriculture Minister and an adjoining electorate holder as the Minister for Regional Development, Mr Rudd has made it perfectly clear to regional Australians that he is not interested in their issues.

Now, by adding additional responsibility to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Mr Bourke will have even less time to assist industries that are so vital to Australia’s future. Mr Rudd has left regional Australians without proper leadership or representation in government.

END

6 April 2010

Media contact Gordon Terry      (07) 4771 3066   or   0427 960 255   

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