ACT MP Gai Brodtmann has called for one of the first decisions by new Nationals leader and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack to be to scrap the APVMA move to Armidale.
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The decision to move the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to the regional NSW city was made by former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce.
"The Nationals have a new leader and with a new leader should come new direction," the Labor MP said in Parliament on Monday.
"So I'm calling on the member for Riverina, the new deputy prime minister to put an end to the shameful, blatant, pork barrelling of the member for New England."
The calls for the new approach echoed those made by the union representing public sector workers on the weekend, calling for a "rational approach" to the decentralisation policy championed by Mr Joyce and the Nationals.
Ms Brodtmann said the decision to move the agency had "seen the APVMA haemorrage staff", with 204 years of service lost with the exit of 48 staff members.
The move "has cost the Australian taxpayer $26 million already and is likely to cost the Australian taxpayer $60 million", Ms Brodtmann said.
She said that the move was opposed by industry groups and peak associations, including CropLife Australia, Animal Medicines Australia and the National Farmers Federation.
Her calls were echoed by fellow Labor MP in the ACT Andrew Leigh, who said he hoped the resignation of Mr Joyce meant "the Coalition's attack on the public service will also take a step back".
"I have had particular concern for staff at the APVMA," he said, also calling for the move to be called off.
Michael McCormack was contacted for comment about his plans for the APVMA.
