Master Builders has welcomed today’s announcement by the Andrews government that it has begun recruiting for a cross border commissioner, but cautions that the role isn’t viable without two key features: independence and clearly established priorities.

“Making this role a reality has been a key policy focus since our 2015 report on cross borders in the building industry,” Master Builders Victoria CEO Radley de Silva said.

“The reason is simple. Victoria’s builders who operate along the borders of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales experience many red-tape burdens having to deal with two state governments and at least two local councils,” Mr de Silva said.

Mr de Silva believes that a commissioner is a priority for Victoria, and the inaugural commissioner should have building front-and-centre in their work programme.

“There are clear policy priorities for the inaugural commissioner to tackle, and building and infrastructure should be top of the list. With a commissioner in place, we can focus straight away on reducing red tape on insurance, improving interstate labour mobility, streamlining planning and helping businesses in Victoria to be more efficient.”

The commissioner role will work with the states on identifying cross-border issues and focus on resolving long-standing challenges where multiple jurisdictions are involved. Mr de Silva says the role is a good outcome for business, and he offers some clear advice for government on the role.

“This could be a game-changing role for interstate efficiency but there are two conditions for success. The commissioner role needs independence to challenge the status quo and bring change. It also needs to make Victoria’s economic priorities like building and construction its own priority. It’s not a viable role unless it’s tasked with working on the big stumbling blocks across borders, and avoids drowning in a sea of small issues.”

The concept of a cross-border commissioner has already been adopted by states such as NSW where it was established in 2012. The NSW Commissioner supports businesses and residents in border communities to improve efficiency. NSW has already successfully signed agreements with both Queensland and the ACT to resolve cross-border issues.