He has undertaken to provide more information on spending by staff on accommodation at the hotel. The Guardian was told by APVMA that staff had spent $14,700 on accommodation at the Powerhouse to date. So far only three staff have relocated from Canberra to Armidale, despite an incentive of up to $55,000 which will be paid towards costs of relocation. But so far only two regulatory scientists have moved to Armidale from Canberra and “half a dozen or so” had been recruited to work in Armidale. Pesticides authority head resigns after forced relocation to Barnaby Joyce's electorate Read moreNine scientists have resigned but more are expected to leave rather than relocate.

Source: The Guardian February 27, 2018 08:26 UTC