Communities along Victoria’s state borders, including East Gippsland, will benefit from the services of a dedicated Cross Border Commissioner under an elected Liberal Nationals government.
Local Nationals MP Tim Bull said people living and working in East Gippsland’s border communities near New South Wales faced unique problems, including with access to services, licencing and coordination of emergency services.
He said for business owners and residents, changes across the New South Wales border were an added complication to everyday life.
“It means our tradespeople have to get two separate licences to operate their business, while farmers and transport operators require two separate permits to move agricultural equipment,” Mr Bull said.
“A common cross-border issue people speak to me about is the need for two fishing licences.
“It also makes it harder for our police officers and emergency services to share the information they need to do their job.”
“Divided jurisdiction on cross border school bus routes and inconsistencies with cross border areas served by telcos are further examples.”
Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria and Decentralisation Peter Walsh was is in Mildura last Friday to make the announcement.
Areas the Cross Border Commissioner would focus on include regulation and licensing, legal systems, emergency services and service delivery.
“An elected Liberal Nationals government would ensure our communities have a dedicated Cross Border Commissioner based in regional Victoria to identify and solve these problems,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Liberal Nationals want to make it easier for border communities to go about their business.
“New South Wales already has a Cross Border Commissioner and has signed agreements with both Queensland and the ACT.
“It’s time for Victoria to take action to resolve our cross border issues with South Australia and New South Wales.”
Monday, January 22, 2018
