VICTORIAN Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes is hopeful of securing exemptions for cross-border residents with South Australia in line with New South Wales arrangements.
Ms Symes has spoken to South Australian counterpart David Basham and sent a letter to South Australian Police Minister Vincent Tarzia, hoping for similar progress on their border issues
“I’ve had productive conversations with the New South Wales Government to achieve outcomes like the recent agricultural exemption permits – whilst this hasn’t solved all the problems, it’s been a good step forward,” Ms Symes said.
“I’d welcome similar conversations and outcomes with the South Australian Government.”
Ms Symes said border closures needed to be in proportion to the coronavirus risk in the community.
South Australia introduced stricter new restrictions on Victorian cross-border residents on Friday, with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian baulking at relaxing her state’s border permit system.
“Whilst we accept the decisions of the NSW and SA Government to protect their residents, it’s important those decisions are proportionate to the health threat and reduce harsh impacts on communities who’ve built their lives across the border,” Ms Symes said.
“I know this is a frustrating time for border communities – the hundreds of calls and messages I’ve received attest to that. I want to let them know that I will continue to advocate on their behalf, along with our Cross Border Commissioner Luke Wilson.’
Mr Wilson said he would continue to work with Ms Symes on border issues, particularly after the South Australian Government’s move this week.
“We know there are numerous challenges resulting from the new restrictions flagged by the South Australian Government recently for border community members, the agriculture industry, essential workers and commercial transport and freight,” he said.
Ms Symes said the Victorian Government would continue to take the advice of the Chief Health Officer on the stage 3 “stay at home” directions in place across regional Victoria.
Victoria announced 179 new coronavirus cases on Friday, its lowest daily increase in almost six weeks. Nine people had died.
Regional Victoria had 295 active cases, 118 of those in Greater Geelong and 27 in Greater Bendigo.
One active case, understood to be in Melbourne, remains attributed to the Mildura local government area.
