“It’s unfortunate that the New South Wales Government has once again moved the goalposts on the issue of our State borders. The announcement to further restrict travel across the border has come as a surprise to many, and has created more anxiety in our community.

I have been contacted by a large number of people this week with questions about the new changes, and I am working hard to provide answers. I was on a teleconference yesterday with the NSW Cross-Border Commissioner and raised a number of issues brought to me by the people of Mallee.

Certain areas such as Cabarita, Colignan, Cardross, and Meringur are not recognised in the new border zone. I have discussed this problem with the Cross-Border Commissioner and it is being investigated. For anyone living in the border zone whose address is not appearing, I would urge them to contact me.

There have been concerns raised about the new border zone and permit arrangements. The Critical Services permit allows the most freedom in terms of travel. Travel will not be restricted to people holding this permit. The Border Resident permit only allows travel within the new border zone.

There are also concerns regarding travel between Mildura and Robinvale. At the moment, people with Border Resident permits will not be able to travel between Mildura and Robinvale via New South Wales. People with Critical Services permits will be able to travel via New South Wales, as long as they take the most direct route. I am advocating to have the Sturt Highway included in the border zone, so that border residents can travel their preferred route. The new permits are available on the Services NSW website: www.service.nsw.gov.au