Department of Primary Industries Aquatic Ecology Positions

The Hon. JENNIFER GARDINER: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Primary Industries. It is a fact that six of the 12 conservation manager positions within the Department of Primary Industries aquatic protection unit will lose their jobs on 30 June? Will his department continue to receive Treasury funding for those positions, despite the jobs being abolished? How does he justify this penny-pinching activity that will result in the Department of Primary Industries filling its coffers at the expense of the loss of valuable specialist expertise in aquatic ecology and habitat protection?

The Hon. IAN MACDONALD: I do not think the question is correct because I do not think that those people are finishing up their positions as of 1 July. I urge the Hon. Jennifer Gardiner to watch this space. My understanding of the issue is that those six will not be finishing up.