Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has invoked the classic 'jobs and growth' justification for the forced relocation of about 200 Canberra public servants.

The Federal Government is moving ahead on plans to move the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to Armidale.

Mr Turnbull's deputy and Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce has been accused of “blatant pork barrelling” for shifting workers to the heart of his New England electorate.

Canberra MP Gai Brodtmann wrote the PM to voice local concerns, leading Mr Turnbull to fall back on the well-worn “jobs and growth” line.

“The government is relocating the APVMA as part of its commitment to boost jobs, increase growth and strengthen communities in regional areas,” the Prime Minister wrote.

“We are ensuring the relocation has minimal disruption to the agency and its staff and families.

“Canberra based staff concerned about moving to Armidale will be supported by a transition team and an advisory committees to oversee the relocation.”

Ms Brodtmann said Mr Turnbull ignored the cost-benefit analysis, which she says shows would cost more jobs in Canberra than it would create in Armidale. 

“Based on the evidence the Prime Minister paid $272,000 to ignore, the relocation of the APVMA to Barnaby Joyce's electorate will cost more jobs than it creates,” the Canberra MP said this week.

“It shows taking jobs from one place and shifting them to another isn't a recipe for ‘jobs and growth’.

“It shows the relocation will cost the Australian taxpayer $25 million and the Canberra economy $157 million a year.

“It is unequivocal and it is damning.

“To say there were ‘other considerations’ behind the approval other than the analysis itself is to say that there's something more important than what is good for the economy, the industry or the community – what's good for Barnaby.”