Qld Cross-Border Commissioner Empowered with Move to Premier’s Departm

Published on 01 November 2024

Today's confirmation that the Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner, Mr Ian Leavers, will now report directly to the Queensland Premier is a significant step forward for Goondiwindi Region residents and businesses.

This move will empower 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.

The Mayor, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM, said “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.

"I have said from the start that 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 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.

The Mayor was honoured to attend the Queensland Cabinet swearing-in today and congratulated all newly appointed Ministers. We look forward to the opportunity to welcome them to the Goondiwindi Region to engage with Council, the re-elected MP James Lister, and our community.