Labor promises cross border commissioner to advocate for SA residents
Life would be smoother for South Australians who live on the border with Victoria, Labor says – if it wins the March state election.
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A cross-border commissioner to advocate for South Australian residents will be appointed if Labor wins the March state election.
Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas announced the pledge on Sunday during a visit to Mount Gambier.
The commissioner would be based in Mt Gambier and would streamline cross-border processes for a range of issues, including Covid-19 restrictions, and establish close working relationships with the Victorian cross-border commissioner. Labor says it would provide $2m over four years for the position. NSW also has a cross-border Commissioner.
Mr Malinauskas said: “Ongoing border closures and differing rules between states makes it pertinent those in South Australian border communities have an advocate and with the authority to negotiate on their behalf.”
The pre-election announcement comes as Labor MP Leon Bignell criticised the state government over Kangaroo Islanders’ access to vaccinations. The Member for Mawson said KI residents were vulnerable to Covid-19 when borders reopen after they were left without access to vaccinations for more than a month.
A state government spokesman said access to jabs had been increased and islanders would be vaccinated before borders opened.
Applause for Stevens
Meanwhile the work of SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, especially his role as state co-ordinator during the Covid-19 emergency, has been recognised by UniSA.
Mr Stevens is a business graduate of the university and received an alumni award on the weekend.
UniSA vice-chancellor David Lloyd said the past year had been tough for South Australians but “our alumni have been an inspiration to our current students”.
Mr Stevens said the Covid-19 response had been a team effort.
“That team includes the South Australian community,” he said.
UniSA also gave awards to Rising Sun Picture’s co-founder Wayne Lewis, and health sector leaders Kate Swaffer and Caroline Atkinson.
Playing our song
Musicians, venue owners, roadies and others involved in Adelaide’s live music scene will hold a summit to discuss the Covid restrictions they say have decimated their livelihoods.
Organisers say the November 8 summit – by invitation only at this stage due to capacity restrictions – will discuss the state government’s road map out of Covid, which they say has given short shrift to the night economy.
A large section of the music industry remains angry at continuing restrictions around dancing, singing, venue capacity and standing consumption of alcohol.
“If we can’t trade then we need an immediate return to JobKeeper or a similar scheme,” industry spokesman Rob Pippan said.
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