Mayor Meets with New Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner

Published on 21 August 2024

Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM, has today met with the newly appointed Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner, Mr Ian Leavers, to congratulate him on his new role and initiate a crucial conversation about the pressing changes required in border communities.

"I have known Ian for the best part of 20 years and believe he is a highly capable and fitting appointment for this important position," said the Mayor, expressing his confidence in Mr. Leavers. "I have invited him to visit our community next week, and he has confirmed his attendance."

Mr Leavers expressed his familiarity with Goondiwindi and its residents, noting their pride, excellence in agriculture, and peacefulness. "This is what the Goondiwindi region should be known for," he commented.

Mayor Springborg acknowledged the significant challenges that border communities face. "For those living on the border, the frustration of navigating two parallel systems that don't work together is all too familiar," he said. "Mr Leavers will likely need a bulldozer to cut through the bureaucratic hurdles of both jurisdictions."

The Mayor pledged the Council's full support, offering contacts and real-life experiences from border residents. Whilst the initial focus must be addressing juvenile crime, he highlighted the unique challenges border communities face that will form part of the longer-term outcomes for the role, including policing, agriculture efficiencies, economic growth, licensing, child safety, health, and education. “The goal is to establish a nearly invisible border that facilitates seamless living and working across both sides.”

"The advantage of a Cross-Border Commissioner is their direct access to Director-Generals and Ministers, and it is expected that where the Commissioner is making recommendations for critical change and harmonisation of rules and laws then they must be listened to and implemented.

“However, we must have realistic expectations. Appointing this position alone won't be enough to solve juvenile crime. The Queensland government must also introduce urgent changes to the law to appropriately reprimand and reduce the number serious juvenile offenders across the state," Mayor Springborg said.