Gai Brodtmann (Canberra, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Cyber Security and Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Nationals have a new leader and with a new leader should come new direction, so I'm calling on the member for Riverina, the new Deputy Prime Minister, to put an end to the shameful, blatant pork-barrelling of the member for New England. The shameful, blatant pork-barrelling of the member for New England relocated the APVMA from Canberra to Armidale. The shameful, blatant pork-barrelling of the member for New England has seen the APVMA haemorrhage staff, expert staff, highly trained staff, 20 regulatory scientists and 28 additional staff members, with 204 years of service between them. The shameful, blatant pork-barrelling of the member for New England has cost the Australian taxpayer $26 million already and is likely to cost the Australian taxpayer $60 million. The shameful, blatant pork-barrelling of the member for New England has been opposed by industry groups, the peak associations, CropLife, Animal Medicines Australia and the National Farmers' Federation. The shameful, blatant pork-barrelling of the member for New England is opposed by the Canberra Liberals and the Liberal senator for the ACT.

Honourable Members:

Honourable members interjecting—

On his first day, I call on the Deputy Prime Minister to show some leadership. Put an end to the shameful, blatant pork-barrelling of the member for New England. Stop the relocation of the APVMA.

Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Just before I go on: Government Whip in particular, I hear every word, and it would be nice not to hear every word.