However, a far different picture was painted by staff members, who told of enormous distress among families affected by the decision.

After staff embarked on a luckless bus trip to the minister’s electorate office in Yass in the hope of meeting with her, the Leader again asked her office whether she would meet with staff.

The question was not answered by Ms Hodgkinson in a written response, in which she said staff were able to speak to senior departmental officers and their union, the Public Service Association, had held four official meetings.

‘‘It is pleasing to see that a number of Public Service Association members are actively engaging in the decentralisation project through their role on the internal working group at Cronulla,’’ she said.

‘‘This group is ensuring a smooth transition for all staff involved.’’

Ms Hodgkinson said ‘‘a number of staff have already signed up to move while many more have expressed a clear interest to decentralise’’.

Staff, who did not wish to be identified, said two employees had relocated to get children settled for the school year while a small number accepted moves to other locations in Sydney.

However, more than half of the centre’s 150 staff were unable or unwilling to relocate from Sydney, largely for family reasons, such as being carers for elderly parents or not wanting to separate children and grandparents.

‘‘There is a human tragedy story here that is not coming out,’’ one said.

He also said union members involved in discussions with the department made it clear they did not endorse the relocation.

It is understood friction had developed between staff members, with some concerned continued opposition might jeopardise their chance of Sydney placements.

‘‘The place is being ripped apart,’’ one said.

Different rule in country

Public Service Association assistant secretary Shane O’Brien said the National Party had changed its tune since winning office.