Making a difference in our border towns
26/08/2025The Victorian Cross Border Commissioner has successfully advocated for a range of reforms that reduce regulatory confusion and improve access to services across jurisdictions.
By simplifying complex regulations and promoting clear guidance, border communities are now more confident navigating the differences between state systems.
Below are some of the highlights of the Commissioner’s work over the past year:
Clearer rules for learner and probationary drivers
The Commissioner helped advocate for new guidance from the Department of Transport and Planning to improve the understanding of L and P plate license rules and information.
The new guidance is helping young drivers stay safe and be aware of various safety rules including mobile phone restrictions, passenger limits and a zero-alcohol tolerance.
The Commissioner is continuing to advocate for guidance for South Australian drivers.
Learn more about Learner and probationary drivers crossing state borders at Transport Victoria.
WorkSafe Victoria: Updated guidance
WorkSafe Victoria guidance on WorkCover premiums for cross-border businesses has been successfully advocated by the Commissioner.
The new guidance simplifies how to determine when interstate worker remuneration should be included in Victorian premiums and will help businesses navigate WorkCover obligations more clearly.
This will benefit businesses and workers by reducing confusion around requirements and promoting voluntary compliance.
Learn more about cross border workers on the WorkSafe website.
Fast-tracked Responsible Service of Alcohol bridging course for hospitality workers
Thanks to support from the Commissioner, staff with a valid Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate from another state or territory can now obtain a free Victorian RSA certificate online and in under 30 minutes.
This fast-tracking will bridge the gap between RSA qualifications across states to avoid costly and timely retraining, allowing workers with RSAs to get into jobs quicker on either side of the border.
Apply online at the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission website.
Tri-State Economic Collaboration
The Cross Border Commissioner plays a pivotal advisory and support role in advancing the Tri-State Economic Collaboration, embedding cross-jurisdictional perspectives into strategic planning and decision-making.
By working closely with counterparts in New South Wales and South Australia, the Commissioner facilitates access to key personnel and supports the alignment of regulatory frameworks, unlocking shared economic potential across state borders.
Through direct engagement with Ministers and senior officials, high-level policy advice is delivered and the initiative actively championed across all levels of the Victorian Government.
These efforts underpin the development of a cohesive and impactful tri-state economic zone, one that leverages regional strengths, enhances connectivity, and delivers tangible economic and social benefits to communities across all sides of the border.
Support for Border Businesses
Fodder
Support was provided to regional distributors to facilitate the importation of Western Australian hay into drought-stricken south-western Victoria. This assistance helped ensure the continued availability of essential fodder for local producers, helping to sustain livestock and agricultural operations during a period of severe climatic stress.
Eggs
The Commissioner coordinated the collaboration between Agriculture Victoria and the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries to enable Liquid Egg Product movements from Victorian processing plants during an avian crisis. This collaboration ensured a continued supply to a key manufacturer and supplier servicing major supermarket chains, helping to maintain food security and business continuity during a critical period.
Learn more
To find out more about the work happening in our border regions, visit Victoria’s Cross Border Commissioner webpage.