WILLIAMSON SLAMS MINNS LABOR GOVERNMENT OVER GUT-WRENCHING REGIONAL JOB CUTS

Nationals Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, has slammed the Minns Labor Government over its latest attack on regionalNSW, with another round of public sector jobcuts set to hit communities across the Richmond and Clarence Valleys.

This week, the Government confirmed it will slash 165 jobs from the Department of Primary Industries and RegionalDevelopment — the only NSW Governmentagency solely dedicated to supporting ruraland regional communities.

“These are real people with families anddeep ties to our local towns. To see theLabor Government once again turn its back on our regions at a time when we need more support — not less — is simply disgraceful,” Mr Williamson said.

Mr Williamson has been advised that anumber of local positions within the Clarenceelectorate are directly under threat, warning of serious consequences for service delivery and regional resilience.

“It’s a slap in the face to an agency that hassupported rural and regional communities fordecades. These cuts will hit agriculture, biosecurity, regional development, and the Rural Assistance Authority — a vital body for delivering disaster recovery support.”

“In the past year alone, we’ve facedcatastrophic floods, ongoing drought, andmounting pressure on food and fibre production. How can this Government justify gutting the very department meant to stand by us during these challenges?”

In another blow, Mr Williamson said reportsconfirm that 100 jobs will be cut from TAFENSW — a move expected to impact campuses in Grafton, Maclean, Yamba, and Casino.

“These cuts are part of a dangerous trend.Labor’s axe is falling hard on regional jobs —across education, agriculture, infrastructure, and transport,” he said.

“Transport for NSW is also facing the loss ofaround 1,250 roles under Labor’s so-called‘reforms’, further hollowing out frontline services in country communities.”

Mr Williamson is calling on Premier ChrisMinns and Minister for Regional NSW, TaraMoriarty, to front up to the people of the regions and explain how critical services will be delivered with fewer frontline workers on the ground.

“This is Labor governing for Newcastle,Sydney and Wollongong — while regionalNSW is ignored and left behind. It’s a disgrace.”

“I call on the Minns Labor Government toimmediately reverse these gutless cuts andstart investing in the people and services that keep regional NSW strong.”