During Estimates hearings on Thursday 25 July 2024, I asked the Director General of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries about research staff positions in the Invasive Plants and Animals Program.
You can read my question and his full response below, or in the official Parliamentary record of proceedings (Hansard) here.
Mr BERKMAN: I do, Chair. Director-General, can you advise how many research staff positions there were in the Invasive Plants and Animals Program at the end of the 2023-24 financial year? Just for clarity, I have asked questions around this before, but I am looking for numbers specifically about those positions related to the prevention and eradication program, not including other research positions in the department that might be co-located with those positions.
Mr Bolton: I thank the member for the question. I will just get the team to provide me with that information.
Mr BERKMAN: I could ask an alternative question if that is something you are able to look at and come back to.
Mr Bolton: That would be appreciated.
[...]
Mr Bolton: I do have an answer to the previous question. As at 28 June 2024 there were an estimated 118 biosecurity FTEs located within Brisbane. A further 268 FTEs were employed within the greater Brisbane area, Berrinba, Coopers Plains, Dutton Park and Wacol. These include operational, scientific and support staff within the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, animal biosecurity, animal welfare, invasive plants and animals, and the plant biosecurity and product integrity programs. The remaining 227 staff are located throughout Queensland. Fifty-seven biosecurity officers, including full-time and part-time equivalents, are currently employed to undertake animal biosecurity and welfare work. These officers are located across Queensland, including in regional areas: 15 in the north region; 12 in the central region; and 30 in the southern region.