Cross-Border Commissioner Bill 2024
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Referred to Housing, Big Build and Manufacturing Committee
Welcomed the bill as it aligns with LNP policy announced in 2017 and 2020, but criticised the government for taking nearly a decade to act and for limiting debate time to 40 minutes for three bills.
“We welcome a commissioner because it is something the LNP has proposed. We are asking why these three bills are given 40 minutes for the entire debate.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard
Supported the appointment of Ian Leavers as Cross-Border Commissioner, noting his law enforcement background and the overwhelming support from local councils along Queensland borders.
“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
Supported the concept as LNP policy since 2017, having personally advocated for a cross-border commissioner since her election in March 2020, but criticised the government for waiting almost a decade and acting only on the eve of an election.
“Since March 2020—since the day I was elected—I have fought tooth and nail for Queensland's own cross-border commissioner. As a proud representative of a cross-border community, I have fought for a cross-border commissioner.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard
Supported the bill as LNP policy since 2017, congratulated Ian Leavers on his appointment, and emphasised the importance of the role being bipartisan and serving all Queenslanders rather than the government.
“The Cross-Border Commissioner does not work for the government; he works for the people of Queensland. I expect and I am quite certain that the newly appointed Cross-Border Commissioner will afford due courtesy and consultation to democratically elected members who represent cross-border areas.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard
Welcomed the appointment of the Cross-Border Commissioner as LNP policy, noting the role extends beyond youth crime to include disasters, health services, and licensing issues affecting border communities.
“I make the point that the Cross-Border Commissioner is not all about youth crime. There are many other issues that the Cross-Border Commissioner will need to deal with.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard
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.
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, and coordinating disaster response across state lines.
Key changes
- Creates the statutory office of Cross-Border Commissioner, appointed for up to 3 years
- Establishes an Office of the Cross-Border Commissioner with dedicated staff
- Commissioner will advocate for cross-border communities but has no regulatory or enforcement powers
- Priority focus on disaster management capacity for Queensland-NSW border communities
- Annual reports to Parliament on the Commissioner's activities and any ministerial directions