Ian Leavers calls for border ‘bubble’ in wake of crime wave

New cross border boss Ian Leavers says there has been a dysfunction between Queensland and New South Wales that needs to be resolved but admitted it would not be an overnight fix.

Queensland’s new cross-border commissioner Ian Leavers in Goondiwindi. Picture: Liam Kidston

The state’s new cross-border boss says a border bubble could help solve some of the dysfunction between states after spending the first days in his new role in Goondiwindi.

Ian Leavers was appointed the role as cross-border commissioner by Premier Steven Miles last week after a crime surge in Goondiwindi and nearby New South Wales town of Boggabilla.

His role will be focused on cutting red tape for residents of border towns when it comes to services like health, education, and crime.

Cross-border commissioner Ian Leavers said it would not be a quick fix. Picture: Liam Kidston

The former Queensland Police Union president of 15 years travelled to Goondiwindi during his first week on the job, meeting with community leaders, police and victims of crime on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mr Leavers said there’s been a dysfunction between Queensland and New South Wales that needs to be resolved, and that there should be a border “bubble”.

“There’s not going to be a quick fix solution overnight, and that is going to be a real challenge,” Mr Leavers said.

Footage of a street brawl in the border town of Boggabilla is making the rounds on social media, with NSW police now investigating. Photo: Facebook

“What I hope to be able to deliver… is a better intricate integration of services to make it more seamless.

“I think we can simplify systems, because if you’re going over the border, there are complications with that.

“I met with many locals, and they want a voice of someone who will listen to them and take that message back to government.”

Boggabilla, just kilometres from Goondiwindi, has become a dumping ground for stolen cars. Picture: Liam Kidston

The region has seen a rise in property crime in recent weeks, with residents saying thieves are coming into Queensland from New South Wales and dumping stolen cars back over the border to avoid initial arrest.

Mr Leavers said Boggabilla - a dumping ground for stolen cars just a few kilometres from Goondiwindi - was a hard to fill police station.

“My colleague in New South Wales, I’ve spoken with her, and we’ll be meeting within the next six weeks, to look at what has been done and what hasn’t been done.

“In New South Wales, there are limited police numbers. Boggabilla is a hard to fill location for police in New South Wales, and Goondiwindi - being the beautiful town it is - is the place where people would rather live.

A damaged house in Boggabilla near Goondiwindi. Picture: Liam Kidston

“I raised that with both sides of Queensland and New South Wales police… there is a recruiting crisis in Australia when it comes to policing, it is no longer the chosen profession.

“We are struggling to get police out of the major centres.”

Mr Leavers, known for his passion and outspokenness, said he won’t be censored by his new government role.

“I hope to be the same, and I need to call it as it is, because my role from government is to tell them how it is.

“I will continue to say it how it is, that’s what I need to do. It may be uncomfortable, but that’s what government needs to do.”

Mr Leavers will meet with more police on Wednesday.