Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has come together with other members of parliament to pen a letter to the South Australian Police commissioner Grant Stevens and Victorian Police commissioner Shane Patton.
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The South Australian Government made the tough decision last week to shut it borders to residents residing in Victoria, with only essential travellers allowed to enter the state from today.
A total of eight members situated in electorates close to state borders signed the letter, hoping to see a collaborative policing approach to border management.
"We the co-signed, local State and Federal Government members whose electorates span the South Australian, New South Wales and Victorian borders, seek a collaborative policing approach to the management of our borders during the COVID-19 health crisis," the letter stated.
COVID-19 UPDATE:
"Keeping our communities safe from the impacts of the COVID-19 virus is a priority of all of us, as is ensuring the welfare and sustainability of our deeply entwined cross border communities."
While the members acknowledged that each state jurisdiction is governed by its own emergency legislation, they believed a collaborative approach could yield positive results.
"We believe a collaborative approach could result in an enhanced emergency response that delivers risk-based management of the health crisis at our state borders," the letter stated.
"We believe such an approach could deliver nuanced controls and better outcomes for our cross border communities which protects their health, wellbeing, education and economic outcomes."
MAKING NEWS ACROSS THE WIMMERA:
They also stated that border protection is fundamental for the three states and the greater Australian community, and they urged a collaborative policing approach.
The letter was signed by Member for MacKillop Nick McBride (SA), Member for Hammond Adrian Pederick (SA), Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell (SA), Member for Lowan Emma Kealy (VIC), Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell (VIC), Member for Mildura Ali Cupper (VIC), Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin (SA), and Federal Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster (VIC).
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Taylor Harvey
Taylor is the lone journalist at the Border Chronicle, which serves as a news medium for residents of the Tatiara. This is his first job in the field after completing his study at the University of Adelaide.
Taylor is the lone journalist at the Border Chronicle, which serves as a news medium for residents of the Tatiara. This is his first job in the field after completing his study at the University of Adelaide.
