Dubbo the hub of decentralisation
“IT’S a fantastic day for our regional city of Dubbo – 100 brand new jobs through the Department of Regional NSW to be based here in Dubbo.”
That was the headline announcement from Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders when he revealed a major job win for the city.
Dubbo Photo News asked Mr Saunders if these were 100 completely new jobs, or will there be people coming from other departments to make up the hundred. Or, whether it was a rebranding exercise to rename a department and shuffle the deck chairs.
“These will be 100 new jobs, people may come from other roles they have in Sydney to create that new job in Dubbo, but these will evolve over the next couple of years,” Mr Saunders said.
“We’ve talked about decentralisation for some time and this sets a new benchmark.
“These will be jobs that help continue to deliver for regional areas, both through infrastructure projects but also importantly through investment opportunities.
“We already have staff in Dubbo doing exactly that, but this expansion, I guess, heightens and shows the commitment that we as the Nationals in government have to regional NSW.”
The state government said that the office for the newly created Department of Regional NSW is aimed to put regional communities at the forefront of government decision making.
“People in regional NSW face unique challenges that vary from town to town which is why the NSW Government established the Department of Regional NSW, to put our communities front and centre,” Mr Saunders said.
“More than three quarters of the Department’s staff are already based in the regions and establishing a base in Dubbo is a further commitment to having people living in the areas they’re supporting, while providing jobs for our region.
“We will have staff who understand the issues affecting regional cities like Dubbo, and who know the local challenges and benefits of smaller towns and regional life – they will be in a position to help deliver the support, infrastructure and programs that communities like ours need.”
The Dubbo office will be one of four, with other branches to be set up in Queanbeyan, Armidale and Coffs Harbour.
With a federal by-election for the electorate of Eden-monaro scheduled for July 4, this announcement of 100 new state government jobs in Queanbeyan is a timely boost for the broader Coalition brand.