The announcement follows the government’s 2015 commitment to boost regional economies by moving public service jobs to regional centres.

The project will create 50 local jobs within the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation with a further 50 in the South East Rural Education Hub to be built at Queanbeyan High School.

Mr Barilaro said the move emphasised the government’s commitment to reinvigorating regional town centres.

“The opportunity to have those high-value government jobs in Queanbeyan is fantastic,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Having more people work in Queanbeyan, especially in the CBD, causes a ripple effect where it’s great for small businesses. It’s about activating the main street and the CBD.

“The best way to do that is to have more people in the CBD during the day.”

Mr Barilaro added that it was unclear how many jobs would be filled from current employees moving from Sydney. However, he said there would be a number of vacancies to be filled by Queanbeyan locals.

The 50 DFSI jobs will include roles in housing services, public work advisory, finance, ICT and valuation services. The employees will likely be housed in the state government building in Farrer Place but an agreement was yet to be signed.

The Finigan School of Distance Education is an $18 million infrastructure project that will be built at Queanbeyan High School and will house the other 50 jobs.

Mr Barilaro’s office confirmed that development approval for the new centre is expected in September with a tender likely awarded soon after.

Construction is anticipated to commence in November and be complete by March 2019.

As member for Monaro Mr Barilaro has received criticism for prioritising his deputy premier duties and forgetting about his constituents.

He pointed to today’s announcement as another example of delivering for his region and suggested that his hometown was the perfect location to receive further government jobs.

“Queanbeyan can be a centre, because of our proximity to Canberra Airport and the nation’s capital, Queanbeyan is perfectly placed to have more decentralised jobs,” Mr Barilaro said.

“My track record of delivery [in Monaro] isn’t based on what I’ve done in government but what I’ve done on the ground.”

“First and foremost I am the member for Monaro, I haven’t lost sight of that.”

“Being deputy premier, being the leader of the party is all second fiddle.”