Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, welcomed further progress on staff recruitment at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) in Armidale, with the APVMA advertising for the new Armidale-based Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) position.

Mr Joyce said the latest job opportunity marked an important milestone for the Armidale community, which is a step closer to securing another locally-based, leadership role at the APVMA.

“This is further proof of The Nationals’ commitment to boost growth, drive employment, pursue policy of decentralisation and land jobs in regional areas like the New England,” Mr Joyce said.

“The Coalition committed to create a new home for the APVMA in Armidale and the Coalition is delivering.

“The APVMA has six staff based in Armidale already and by February 2018 that number is expected to more than double to 15 employees.

“In 2019, they anticipate 150 APVMA employees will work from the permanent premises in Armidale, creating real jobs for the region.

“The APVMA has advised only a small number of specialist staff will be eligible for e-working positions, which in today’s digital age, is commonplace in many workplaces to improve efficiency. But I must stress, the majority of the APVMA workforce will be based in Armidale.

“I’m proud to be delivering the APVMA for my local community and am proud to be seeing it through its relocation from Canberra to Armidale.”

(ENDS)