Cross-Border Commissioner Bill 2024 (Qld)

An Act to establish the office of cross-border commissioner and for related purposes The Parliament of Queensland enacts—

Part 1 Preliminary

1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Cross-Border Commissioner Act 2024.

2 Main object The main object of this Act is to establish the office of cross-border commissioner to— (a) enhance stakeholder engagement and facilitate collaboration between the State and relevant jurisdictions in areas of mutual interest relating to cross-border communities; and (b) facilitate the identification, and advocate for the resolution, of issues related to residing in cross-border communities that impede regional economic development, community resilience and service delivery.

3 Definitions In this Act— border jurisdiction means— (a) New South Wales; or (b) Northern Territory; or (c) South Australia. commissioner means the cross-border commissioner appointed under part 2. cross-border community means a community in a local government area that is adjacent to the border between the State and a border jurisdiction. relevant jurisdiction means— (a) the Commonwealth; or (b) a border jurisdiction.

Part 2 Cross-border commissioner

Division 1 Establishment

4 Cross-border commissioner There is to be a cross-border commissioner.

5 Functions and powers (1) The main functions of the commissioner are— (a) to facilitate the operation of cross-border agreements; and (b) to build effective relationships with— (i) stakeholders in cross-border communities; and (ii) stakeholders whose activities affect cross-border communities; and (c) to enhance stakeholder engagement and facilitate collaboration between the State and a relevant jurisdiction to advocate for— (i) the resolution of issues affecting cross-border communities; and (ii) improved access to services for cross-border communities; and (d) to provide advice to stakeholders in cross-border communities on government policies and programs relevant to cross-border communities; and (e) to provide advice to the government on issues affecting cross-border communities; and (f) to perform any other function given to the commissioner under this or another Act. (2) The commissioner has power to do anything necessary or convenient to be done for the performance of the commissioner's functions. (3) In this section— cross-border agreement means an agreement between the State and a border jurisdiction in relation to collaboration on matters affecting— (a) cross-border communities; and (b) communities in the border jurisdiction that are adjacent to the border between the State and the border jurisdiction.