A parliamentary question addresses the closure of regional agricultural research facilities and relocation of staff, referencing decisions made by the previous government and adherence to public sector standards. The minister confirms closures and staff relocation, while assuring no regional development office closures are planned.

AnsweredQoN 2094Legislative Assembly
Asked
10 October 2017
Portfolio
Regional Development; Agriculture and Food; Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Can the minister list regional offices and/or established workplaces under her portfolio that will be closed or are currently under consideration for possible closure? (2) Can the minister also provide details of regional based staff under her portfolio that have been/will be required to move to alternative work premises? (3) In reference to a letter sent to staff at the Vasse research station telling them they will be required to relocate, can the minister confirm that the processes deployed in these circumstances were in strict adherence to the public sector standards for agency staff?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
29 November 2017
Responded by
Minister representing the Minister for Regional Development; Agriculture and Food; Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade
Response time
16 days
(1)       The Medina and Vasse Research Facilities are currently in the process of closure.  The decisions to close these facilities were made by the former Liberal National Government in their 2014-15 and 2015-16 strategic asset plans.
There are no plans to close any regional development offices.
(2)       Five staff at the Vasse Research Facility will be required to relocate following the closure of the facility in April 2018.
Opportunities for co-location in the regions of the former independent agencies will also be assessed.
(3)        I am advised by the Director General of DPIRD that all processes were in keeping with the public sector standards.  Ongoing consultation with staff and the union regarding alternate accommodation options is continuing.

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