Hundreds of applications for new Armidale APVMA office proof of plan: Barnaby Joyce

More than a third of the applications the organisation has received (131) were from Australians living in capital cities. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) said there were 79 scientists from “all over Australia” applying for the 19 science jobs on offer.

Mr Joyce, the New England MP and former Agriculture Minister who pushed for the relocation, said the job applications were “decentralisation in action”.

“Investment, growth and jobs all heading to the New England off the back of this move,” Mr Joyce said.

“It’s not just people from out of town applying either – local people are sticking up their hand as well.

“Rural and regional areas like our own deserve the best opportunities we can provide with stronger economies and more skilled people in more local jobs across our region.”

So far, just eight scientists have made the move to Armidale since the relocation was announced two years ago.

The job application figures come as the APVMA announces it has cleared a backlog of major applications. 

The organisation has been plagued with backlogs since the start of 2017, when a large number of scientists unwilling to move to Armidale left its ranks.

“In the three months spanning July and September our scientists finalised 996 applications to register new agricultural and veterinary chemical products, permits and actives,” APVMA CEO Chris Parker said.

“This is the highest number of applications completed in a single quarter since September 2017 and the second highest completion rate in over three years.”

Mr Joyce previously revealed he was the only person in the Cabinet fighting for the relocation.

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