The New South Wales government is facing mounting criticism after announcing plans to cut up to 165 jobs from the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD). As the only department dedicated to supporting regional communities, the proposed changes have sparked concern among rural leaders and residents who fear the loss of essential services.
These cuts represent approximately 4% of the department’s workforce and follow a broader push to reduce the size of the public sector. While the government insists the move is necessary to streamline operations, opponents warn that regional communities—already burdened by economic pressures and natural disasters—stand to suffer the most.
Regional Impact of the Job Cuts
DPIRD, headquartered in Orange, NSW, employs a workforce that is more than 75% based outside Sydney, directly serving rural and regional communities. The potential job losses have raised alarms about how the department will continue delivering critical programs in areas dependent on agricultural support and regional development.
NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders condemned the plan, calling it “cruel” and a direct blow to communities that rely on government-backed assistance. He warned that the cuts would undermine DPIRD’s capacity to respond to the unique challenges of rural New South Wales.
Risk to Agriculture and Biosecurity
Among the teams expected to be affected are those responsible for agriculture and biosecurity, two sectors that are central to the state’s economy and rural livelihoods. Saunders argued that reducing staff in these areas could leave the state less prepared to respond to major agricultural challenges, such as pest outbreaks or market disruptions.
The department, however, maintains that the changes will not compromise service delivery. Officials have stated that the cuts are primarily focused on eliminating temporary roles and administrative duplications rather than frontline positions. One of the most contentious points of the proposal involves the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA), a division within DPIRD that provides financial support to farmers and regional businesses during crises.
Saunders warned that reducing staff could severely impact the RAA’s ability to process claims and deliver timely aid, particularly during emergencies such as floods and droughts. For many in regional New South Wales, the prospect of reduced capacity within the RAA is viewed as a direct threat to their economic stability and recovery during times of hardship.
Government’s Defense and Consultation Process
A DPIRD spokesperson defended the proposed cuts, asserting that the changes are necessary to “enable us to work in a sustainable and responsible way, while maintaining service levels.” According to the government, consultations with staff and unions are ongoing, and impacted employees will be offered redeployment opportunities where possible.
While the final decision on job reductions has not yet been made, the department has assured that no changes are planned to its office locations across the state, signaling that its regional footprint will remain intact despite the proposed staff reductions.
The DPIRD announcement comes amid broader cost-cutting measures across New South Wales. Transport for NSW recently revealed plans to eliminate nearly 1,000 senior positions, aligning with Premier Chris Minns’ goal of reducing public sector executive roles by 15%. Critics argue that this approach risks weakening essential services in both metropolitan and regional areas.
