I am not surprised that Labor’s Shadow Minister for Agriculture Joel Fitzgibbon believes Armidale is not suitable to be the new home of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
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Mr. Fitzgibbon has opposed the relocation from the start, simply because it is an initiative of Barnaby Joyce.
In the recent Senate estimates, the interim CEO of APVMA Dr. Chris Parker said some staff had come forward and asked about early relocation from Canberra to Armidale, so they are obviously keen.
When I pointed out to him that Armidale Hospital is undergoing major redevelopment, a new super school is planned and the city will be home to NSW TAFE Digital, Dr. Parker agreed it is one of the better-serviced cities that he has had the opportunity to live in.
So from what I can ascertain Armidale and the APVMA is a good fit as there will be many new jobs created and added benefits for the wider Armidale economy.
I urge local residents to consider who is trying to create those jobs, and who is trying to take them away from you in the upcoming New England by-election on the 2nd of December.
Senator John Williams
Nationals Senator for NSW