The amalgamations are part of the government’s sweeping public sector reform that aim to merge about 40% of the state’s existing government departments. 

WAFarmers president Tony York said the reform was a more streamlined approach, despite the seemingly increased size and responsibility of departments.

“During their election campaign, WA Labor did acknowledge their intentions to perform a public sector renewal, though we did not anticipate that it would be this comprehensive,” he said.

“That said, the development of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development through the amalgamation of agencies including the current DAFWA makes sense,” he said.

York said while the streamlining of agencies into a more comprehensive system should ensure an efficient exchange of information and resources between related portfolios, commitments to biosecurity, quarantine  and agricultural protection must not be lost in the new ministry.

“Agriculture is an important sector of the state’s economy and deserves the government’s highest interest, so the new Department must ensure that the opportunities in agriculture remain a priority,” he said.

“Currently DAFWA is charged with providing services to industry in an effort to support and drive the agrifood sector, so we both hope and anticipate that by expanding upon the industries represented in agribusiness and regional development by combining primary industries, there will be greater returns in the long run which will keep agriculture as a priority.”