DPI members set to take on Carr & Egan

More than 300 PSA members at the Department of Primary Industries will rally outside State Parliament in protest at the Carr Government’s attack on jobs and services in country NSW.

The rally will take place at 12 noon on Tuesday August 31st outside State Parliament in Macquarie Street, Sydney.

"The Government has taken $37 million from this year's budget, and $58 million next year. So far it all seems to be coming from jobs in rural communities," Public Service Association Assistant General Secretary Shane O'Brien said today.

Mr O'Brien said staff were angry that the Government was fixing its political problems in Sydney at the expense of country public servants and rural economies.

"This is the worst type of political opportunism. The Government is taking millions out of country NSW where its support is traditionally low and pumping that money into Sydney's vote winning areas", Mr O'Brien said.

"Hundreds of efficient workers are being thrown on the scrap heap in areas where alternative employment is hard to come by just so Carr and Egan get out of gaol on Sydney trains and hospitals," Mr O'Brien said.

Staff members affected by the budget cuts will be bussing in to Sydney from as far away as Deniliquin and Grafton, where along with Temora and Narara the Government plans to close research stations forcing staff to relocate or lose their job.

"The days of public servants being political pawns are over. The PSA and staff will campaign up to and beyond budget day to secure a fair share for country departments and country staff," Mr O'Brien said.