The tireless work undertaken by Stephen Donaghey, his team and members in Albury/Wodonga to advocate for a change to border zone limitations is set to result in eased restrictions on the industry after an announcement by the NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro earlier in the week.
 
This work was also recognized by the Federal Independent MP for Indi Dr Helen Haines MP, who paid tribute to Stephen and Master Builders for their "dogged determination" in Parliament yesterday. Here is a section of her speech to the House of Representatives:
 
Leanne Harkin, owner of Scissor Creations Hair Salon, has her hairdressing salon one kilometre from the border, and her trade went down 50 to 60 per cent overnight when the border restrictions were first put into place. Stephen Donaghey, of the Murray division of the Masters Builders Association, has told me that it is fair to state that the construction industry in the border region is in turmoil and, without adjustments to current permit conditions, could slow to a crawl, if not total shutdown. Some businesses have already shut their doors due to myriad problems caused by the current conditions of critical services permits and a lack of available permits for parties associated with construction, particularly new homes. It is for these people that an ongoing JobKeeper is so important. It is this sector which the government has proactively identified for support through its HomeBuilder scheme. Construction was booming on the border. Now it is at risk of coming to a standstill. There are homes under construction in New South Wales that are stalling at progress payment stages, as the owners reside in Victoria and cannot inspect the sites to approve payments. Stephen and his Master Builders representatives met with the New South Wales Deputy Premier last week to discuss the impact of the border closure on the construction industry. I congratulate them for their dogged determination and advocacy on behalf of their members, and share their hopes that common sense will prevail and they can get back to work.
 
The work of Stephen and his team in this region is something that we are all very proud of, and similarly proud that this effort will be immortalised in Australian Parliament’s Hansard records for all times.
 
You can read the full speech starting on page 89 here