MEMBER for Mildura Ali Cupper has slammed the Federal Government’s decision to deny Victoria’s request for Australian Defence Force support on the NSW border.
The State Government requested up to 300 ADF personnel to help monitor and control the border, but only 50 were committed.
Ms Cupper said the decision led to chaos on the George Chaffey Bridge on Monday, with some travellers experiencing delays of up to two hours.
“The Prime Minister has constantly said throughout the pandemic that any request for ADF personnel would be met, and now we are in a position where the sudden border (closure) has caused unacceptable delays into Mildura,” Ms Cupper said.
“This decision is truly baffling.”
She said she had also heard reports of Mildura GPs cancelling consultations with NSW residents because of the delays.
While she praised the Victorian Government’s decision to allow border residents to cross without a permit, Ms Cupper said Victoria Police should not have to rely on SES volunteers to help man the border, especially through the festive season.
“It seems unbelievable that our borders could be staffed by ADF personnel when the border was closed by the NSW Government, but now the Victorian Government is asking for help it is not forthcoming,” Ms Cupper said.
“I urge the Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Federal Government to reverse this decision and get ADF personnel on our borders as soon as possible.
“Christmas week is going to be extremely busy for our cross-border communities and we simply should not have to put up with two-hour delays.”
