Cross Border Commissioner

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:19): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: The establishment of the Cross Border Commissioner delivered on a key election commitment of the Malinauskas government. The commissioner was established to act as an advocate for cross-border businesses, organisations and individuals, including by identifying key barriers to economic development in service delivery and advocating for improved outcomes.

The role commenced in April 2023 and in its first year of operation engaged in extensive stakeholder consultation and converted the high-level functions that were detailed in the new legislation into a strategic agenda of cross-border focus areas. When the position became vacant at the end of last year, it presented the government with an important opportunity to review the role and consider operational and administrative changes.

Analysis of the issues raised during the first year of operation demonstrated the multiportfolio nature of matters facing cross-border communities. In recognition of this, the role will now report to the Premier and the functional work will be housed in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC), the central agency of government. These changes will increase the whole-of-government focus on cross-border issues, as well as central coordination of actions that involve multiple government departments.

The recruitment process to appoint the new commissioner is underway, and the job will be advertised in national, state and regional media over the coming days. While a recruitment process to fill the role pursuant to the act takes place, an acting commissioner will be appointed: the Chief Executive of DPC, Mr Damien Walker. The government looks forward to finding the best possible candidate for this important role.