Cross-Border Commissioner Bill 2024
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill establishes Queensland's first Cross-Border Commissioner, a new statutory role dedicated to helping communities along Queensland's borders with New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. The Commissioner will work across governments to resolve issues caused by different state regulations and improve service delivery for border residents, with a priority focus on disaster management capacity along the Queensland-NSW border.
Who it affects
People living in Queensland's cross-border communities will benefit from having a dedicated advocate to address issues like accessing services, dealing with different regulations across state lines, and coordinating disaster response. Local councils and businesses in border regions will also have a new point of contact for cross-jurisdictional issues.
Key changes
- Creates the statutory office of Cross-Border Commissioner, appointed for up to 3 years with one possible reappointment
- Establishes an Office of the Cross-Border Commissioner with dedicated staff, funded for 3 years under the 2024-25 Budget
- Commissioner will advocate for cross-border communities but has no regulatory or enforcement powers
- Allows information-sharing arrangements with government agencies across jurisdictions, with a 50 penalty unit offence for unlawful disclosure of personal information
- Requires annual reports to Parliament and a review of the Act after 3 years
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Committee20 Aug 2024View Hansard
Referred to Housing, Big Build and Manufacturing Committee
▸Second Reading21 Aug 2024View Hansard
Welcomed the Cross-Border Commissioner as LNP policy dating back to 2017, but criticised the government for only acting on the eve of an election and allowing only 40 minutes to debate three bills.
“Of course we welcome it because it is our policy.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard
Supported the appointment of Ian Leavers as Cross-Border Commissioner, noting his background in law enforcement and the overwhelming support from local councils.
“His background in law enforcement and close work with border communities means that he is well placed to understand the issues facing border communities and to advocate strongly in resolving their concerns.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard
Welcomed the Cross-Border Commissioner as something she has fought for since her election in 2020, but criticised the Labor government for ignoring the need for almost a decade and only acting on the eve of an election.
“I want it on the record in this House that since March 2020—since the day I was elected—I have fought tooth and nail for Queensland's own cross-border commissioner.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard
Supported the Cross-Border Commissioner, having announced LNP policy for this at the 2017 and 2020 elections, but emphasised the role must be bipartisan and not used as a political tool by the government.
“The Cross-Border Commissioner does not work for the government; he works for the people of Queensland.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard
Welcomed the Cross-Border Commissioner as longstanding LNP policy, noting the commissioner will need to address many issues beyond youth crime including hospital credentialing and licensing across jurisdictions.
“There are many other issues that the Cross-Border Commissioner will need to deal with.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard