Libs fight over public servant moves

Canberra Liberals don't want Barnaby Joyce banishing four agricultural agencies from the national capital.

The federal agriculture minister wants the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and three government research agencies to move to regional centres to forge closer ties between research, regulation and industry.

But Canberra Liberals leader Jeremy Hanson is vehemently opposed to the move which he says plays with the lives of public servants to shore up support for federal politicians.