Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Minister for Regional Services) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, there is a risk. Unfortunately, it would seem that Gough Whitlam's party, the former party for decentralisation, is absolutely turning its back on advocating for moving public sector jobs out into the regions—even out to Albury-Wodonga. We as a government want the benefit of a strong national economy. It shouldn't be restricted to just those in our major cities; it should be felt right across our nation. Under our government, we've been able to grow that, with over 1,100 jobs delivered into the regions. The announcement last week of the jobs from AMSA out to Coffs Harbour, down to Hobart, up into Darwin and to Geraldton and beyond is just the start. We have a plan to grow our regions. Someone mentioned earlier the APVMA. The APVMA received nearly 300 job applications for up to 50 positions. That is in demand. They are spoilt for choice for scientists who want to shift to Armidale.