More than 140,000 people live in South Australia's cross border communities linking with five borders from the Green Triangle in the south east, the food bowl of the Riverland, the arid APYLands and central west, to the Nullabor to the west.
These communities have strong business connections and social relationships with their interstate neighbours, however state regulations and policies can often impact these transactions discouraging investment and jeopardising social outcomes.
About us
The Cross Border Commissioner plays a prominent role acting as a voice for cross border businesses, advocating for organisations and individuals, identifying opportunities and strategies to support proactive and positive cross border outcomes.
The office works with State Government departments, and the NSW and Victorian Cross Border Commissioners, to deliver change and make it easier to work, live and play in our cross border regions.
What is a cross border issue?
Cross border community members recognise that living in a border zone is unique. Sharing state borders, our communities operate harmoniously across an invisible borderline, but at times these boundaries can stall economic activity, environmental practices and social outcomes because of anomalies with state rules and regulations.
The Cross Border Commissioner works actively bringing key decision makers together to strategise solutions, avoid continued policy discrepancies and to avoid the creation of new anomalies.
The SA Cross Border Commissioner Act 2022 defines the functions of the Commissioner. This includes the delivery of an annual plan to the Minister for Regional Development.
Key issues raised with the Cross Border Commissioner can include:
- Differences with state legislation policies and procedures such as two states operating different biosecurity acts which can inhibit productivity.
- Variances in rules such as business trade licenses like plumbing and real estate.
- Opportunities to grow such as coordinating state collaboration on key economic and social issues.
Our cross border communities
South Australia is connected to five state and territory borders, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
There are more than 140,000 South Australian residents that reside in these cross-border communities.
These cross-border communities are best defined by the local government areas, however there is no specific definition. The cross-border matters can be based on depth of movements and connections on matters such as healthcare, freight, agriculture and sport activities.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the complexities facing cross border community members and business owners.
Focus areas
- Facilitate collaboration between governments and service providers to address issues involving cross border communities.
- Work and engage with all tiers of government, businesses and the community to ensure the needs of cross border communities are considered in the development and implementation of policy, procedures and legislation.
Key objectives
- Identify key barriers
- Advocate for a simplified regulatory environment
- Facilitate better access
- Update and inform
