AFTER more than five years of lobbying, the appointment of a Cross-Border Commissioner is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Legislation was introduced to State Parliament last week to pave the way for the establishment of the position to be based in Mount Gambier.
It follows an election commitment by Premier Peter Malinauskas earlier this year committing $2m over four years to fund the office after Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell lobbied for its establishment.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven introduced the Cross-Border Commissioner Bill to Parliament on Wednesday night.
The intent of the Cross-Border Commissioner position is to harmonise relationships between the States in an effort to benefit individuals and businesses in the border regions of South Australia.
According to a statement from Government: “South Australia shares borders with every mainland state and territory, making it critical that those living and working in these communities have someone with the power to negotiate on their behalf, finding practical ways to improve economic and wellbeing outcomes”.
“Many residents and businesses in regional South Australia travel across our borders, sometimes on a daily basis for work, business, education and medical needs.
“With the largest populations on the borders between SA, Victoria and NSW, the Commissioner will be based in Mount Gambier.
“The Commissioner will work to identify issues, broker solutions and provide advice on matters impacting border communities, making it easier to do business across our borders, while addressing barriers to education, health and other services.
“The Commissioner will also work within other jurisdictions, in particular Victoria and New South Wales, which both have Cross-Border Commissioners.”
Minister Scriven said the Bill requires the new appointment to be someone with detailed understanding of the issues affecting border communities and experience living within a border region.
“We know that we can make our border communities better places to live by making it easier for people accessing education, justice, health and other important services across borders,” the Minister said.
“We will also see economic benefits through reducing regulatory barriers for businesses.
“There is a long history of matters that cross-border communities and businesses are required to navigate.
“While the need for a Commissioner was highlighted during Covid-19 border closures, many of the issues pre-date Covid by many years.
“The Cross-Border Commissioner will provide a new mechanism to address these issues and facilitate collaboration and engagement with residents, businesses and community organisations as well as all tiers of government,” the Minister said.
“I look forward to life getting easier for thousands of South Australians who live and work in border communities.”
Mr Bell welcomed the introduction of the Bill to establish a Cross-Border Commissioner.
“The Cross-Border Commissioner is an important step for our community and all communities that live close to a border,” Mr Bell said.
“I have been advocating for five years for this role and it certainly would have been handy over the last two years.
“While the Cross-Border Commissioner is much more than just a Covid response, Covid has highlighted just some of the differences between each State and how they operate.”
Mr Bell said similar roles in Victoria and NSW had led to industries benefiting from an increase in cooperation between those two States.
“Regulations have been changed, communication between the two governments has increased, and it has resulted in many benefits for the people of both States,” Mr Bell said.
“In our region there are many issues that need addressing through our Cross-Border Commissioner.
“These include fire prevention and coordinated responses, transport, water use and environmental protection, education opportunities, licensing for trades and industry across the two States, and many more.
“I am excited to see the establishment of our own Cross-Border Commissioner based here in Mount Gambier and look forward to working with them to support our community and industries going forward.
“It is a credit to this government that they have listened to this request and moved so quickly to establish this important position to help Mount Gambier achieve its potential.”
