CONFIRMATION on Friday that Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner, Ian Leavers, will now report directly to the Queensland Premier is a significant step forward for Goondiwindi region residents and businesses.
The move empowers the commissioner to advocate directly to the Queensland Premier for change across a wide range of policy and legislative issues affecting border residents across Queensland.
Goondiwindi mayor Lawrence Springborg anticipates an efficient and effective approach to border challenges.
“By providing the commissioner with the authority and recognition of being based in the Premier’s department, we anticipate a more efficient and effective approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities in cross-border communities,” Cr Springborg said.
“I have said from the start, Mr Leavers will need unfettered support from the state government to implement his recommendations in order to deliver improvements to the daily lives of cross-border residents.
“The commissioner is attempting to reconfigure decades of intractable, burdensome and inconsistent cross-border rules and regulations.
“Achieving this requires changes in policy and legislation across nearly every department in Queensland and News South Wales from policing, agriculture, small business, training, licensing, child safety, health, to education,” the mayor said.
“The goal of the commissioner role is to establish a nearly invisible border that facilitates seamless living and working across both sides.
“Reporting directly to the Premier signifies a positive step forward for our region, and we are optimistic about the future,” he said.
Cr Springborg said he was honoured to attend the Queensland Cabinet swearing-in on Friday and congratulated all newly appointed Ministers.
“We look forward to welcoming them to the Goondiwindi region to engage with Council, the re-elected MP James Lister, and our community,” he said.
