Inaugural Cross-Border Commissioner appointed

• Ian Leavers appointed Cross-Border Commissioner
• Mr Leavers will work closely with border communities to resolve cross-border issues
• The new role will also work collaboratively with neighbouring jurisdictions on service delivery matters, community resilience and economic opportunities

Queensland Police Officer and Union president Ian Leavers has been appointed the inaugural Cross-Border Commissioner.

The role will have a focus on improving the experience and liability of our cross-border communities.

More-than 750,000 people live in the 12 local government areas along the borders that Queensland shares with New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Mr Leavers, a serving police officer and current president of the Queensland Police Union and the Police Federation of Australia, will commence a three-year term on Monday.

The Commissioner will develop relationships with local governments, regional bodies, state agencies, industry associations, and community groups, and provide advice to stakeholders and government, through the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water. 

The complexities of living and working in multiple jurisdictions include different approaches to regulation and essential service delivery, which can be difficult to navigate for communities and add to the cost and ease of doing business in border areas.

A priority focus for the Commissioner will be building disaster management capacity and resilience for Queensland cross-border communities on the Queensland-New South Wales border.

The Government this week expedited the appointment of the role following cross-border nature of criminal offending at Goondiwindi in recent days.

Priority legislation was introduced on Tuesday and was expected to pass on Wednesday.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Our cross-border communities can often face unique and challenging issues.”

“A cross-border Commissioner will be a voice for these communities and will champion resilience and economic opportunities.

“This position is something those living along the border have been calling for and today I’m pleased to appoint Ian Leavers to the role.

“His experience on the frontline, and his collaboration with emergency services, local, state and federal governments make him an ideal candidate.

“I trust that Mr Leavers will help to break down barriers on the border and support our unique townships now and into the future.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:

“Setting up the Cross-Border Commissioner is further proof that the Miles Labor Government is always listening and delivering for Queenslanders.

“Whether you’re in Wallangarra, Goondiwindi or Kirra – I know there’s many Queensland border communities and this role will be both an advocate and problem-solver for cross-border issues.

“As we saw during the COVID-19 response, living in one state and working in another presents some unique challenges.

“The Cross-Border Commissioner will work closely with their New South Wales counterpart, strengthening a longstanding partnership between the two states.

“I’m pleased to back-in this important role to give our border communities and even stronger voice.”

Quotes attributable to incoming Cross-Border Commissioner Ian Leavers: 

“Throughout my policing career and current role, I’ve seen first-hand the unique challenges that our border-communities present.

“I want to thank the Miles Government for establishing the position as I know it’s something communities along the border have been asking for.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with all jurisdictions that share a border with Queensland and am determined to make a difference to the lives of the thousands of people who call these regions home."

Quotes attributable to Goondiwindi Mayor Lawrence Springborg:

“It has been a long journey of advocacy. As the mayor of a border community, I know first-hand the challenges our community faces and I’m very grateful to see this Cross-Border Commissioner framework put in place.

“The Cross-Border Commissioner has the support of all the local council mayors along Queensland’s borders as well as business groups.

“The Cross-Border Commissioner will be a vital link between these local communities and the state government and the Commissioner will be well-placed to make a real difference to the lives of people along the border. It’s an opportunity to solve some issues that are unique to these areas.”