March 22, 2024
MPI cuts could affect trade with China O’Connor warns
Former agriculture minister Damien O’Connor says job cuts at the Ministry of Primary Industries could end up costing the country more than they save.
MPI staff were told yesterday more than 200 jobs were going as the minsitry tries to shave 7.5 percent off its budget.
Mr O’Connor says it raises the risk of problems with biosecurity or food safety.
“China is a very valuable, challenging market. If any of those specs are out because there hasn’t been the right form signed we could miss out or be blocked from that market. These are critical areas and I’m not aware of any bloated bureaucracy in MPI so I’m not sure where he is going to cut them,” he says.