Ag Collage boards to remain in place

Mr Last yesterday released a statement stating that he had heard rumours that the Longreach and Emerald Pastoral Colleges may have their boards disbanded and replaced by advisory committees.

“Concerned stakeholders have spoken with me with regard to governance issues relating to the two colleges, and I’m disturbed about what I have heard,” Mr Last said.

“I’ve been told there are vacancies on the boards of both colleges, despite some having been appointed ‘guest’ members for up to 18 months but are not considered permanent members.

“I understand a proposal has been floated to amalgamate the two boards, or to disband the boards and have it replaced with an advisory committee.  

“I am calling on the Minister for Agriculture Leanne Donaldson to come clean as to why vacancies on the boards have not been permanently filled.”

But Ms Donaldson has called out Mr Last’s claims as “lazy”, and said the rumours are unfounded. 

“Mr Last was too lazy to pick up the phone to my office to check whether there was any truth to the rumours he claims to have heard. If he was really concerned about the future of the Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges he would have asked for a briefing from my office,” she said. 

“He would have discovered that there is no plan under consideration to change the status of the boards. I support retaining the boards and I am confident that the vacancies will be filled in due course with suitable, high calibre candidates.

“The appointment process is strictly based on merit and it is vitally important that people with appropriate skills are appointed to guide the colleges into the future.

“I can assure all those with a genuine interest that I also fully support the continued operation and development of the colleges.

”I have every confidence in Mark Tobin and the work he is doing to develop QATC.”