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The Hon. CHRISTINE ROBERTSON: My question without notice is addressed to the Minister for Primary Industries. Will the Minister inform the House on developments relating to the integration of NSW Agriculture, NSW Fisheries, State Forests of New South Wales and the Department of Mineral Resources into a new Department of Primary Industries?
The Hon. IAN MACDONALD: The integration of NSW Agriculture, NSW Fisheries, State Forests of New South Wales and the Department of Mineral Resources into the Department of Primary Industries is about giving rural New South Wales a stronger voice in State Government. It is also about integrating appropriate services, achieving results, and injecting new energy into our primary production areas. Let it be clear: we will not take our eye off front-line services. This will continue to be the main game.
Today, I announced two developments that will add certainty to the integration. Mr Barry Buffier has been named Director-General of the new Department of Primary Industries and will assume the position as of 1 July 2004. Mr Buffier has a proven track record in agribusiness and finance, both in the private and public sectors. He has served on several national and state bodies, including the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, the National Rural Advisory Committee, and as Chairman of the New South Wales Poultry Meat Industry Committee. Mr Buffier was Deputy Director-General of NSW Agriculture until 1992, and then became the national and regional agribusiness manager for Westpac. He will resign from all positions that have the potential to give rise to any conflict of interest with his new position.
I can also report that Mr Buffier is a beef producer, with a property in Gloucester. His previous involvement with regional stakeholder organisations gives him a deep appreciation for issues facing regional and rural New South Wales. Having been born and raised in the Hunter Valley—the driving force of the coal industry in New South Wales—Mr Buffier has also seen firsthand the powerful influence that mineral resources has on the regional and State economy. Mr Buffier will work with the interim board, which consists of the directors-general of NSW Agriculture, NSW Fisheries, State Forests of New South Wales and the Department of Mineral Resources, to see the integration process through. The interim board and its respective staff are working hard to develop detailed delivery strategies and structural reforms so that clear directions can be announced at the end of June.
In addition to Mr Buffier's position, I can also inform the House that the head office of the Department of Primary Industries will be based in Orange. The Government has a very strong presence in the central west, and this decision will allow us to continue building on that history. It will also further solidify the region's importance as a key business centre in New South Wales. Of course, the Department of Primary Industries will also have strong representation in several other key areas across the State. I am advised by the Minister for Mineral Resources that the department's move to Maitland is progressing on time and on budget. I am also advised that this move is expected to bring a significant number of jobs into the Hunter region.
As honourable members would well know, consultation with stakeholders and unions will be very important during this integration process. We will continue to take an active role in engaging with stakeholder groups and unions. It must be remembered that any change of this magnitude will involve a number of challenges. The Government realises that there will be a degree of uncertainty until the Department of Primary Industries structure is clearly identified. Measures announced today will help ease some of these concerns. They also show that the Government is committed to implementing necessary changes as soon as possible.