Inaugural cross-border commissioner steps down

By Djembe Archibald

Jan 25, 2024

Appointed: The old Echuca-Moama bridge connects Victoria to NSW and the new cross border commissioner aims to do the same.

The Victorian Government has appointed Victoria’s next cross border commissioner to continue to advocate for locals living and working across the state’s border communities.

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The inaugural commissioner, Luke Wilson, will step down after five years in the role in the coming weeks.

Regional Development Minister Gayle Tierney announced Brett Davis would take up the role next month, continuing the critical work to resolve local issues and develop common approaches with neighbouring states.

“I am excited about the opportunity that this role presents and keen to build on Luke’s work,” Mr Davis said.

“I am passionate about rural and regional areas, economic development, and look forward to working with our border communities, having worked with many of them in previous roles.“

Mr Davis has most recently been Moyne Shire Council chief executive and was previously the Victorian Planning Authority regional Victoria executive director.

“We thank Luke for all his work in this role and congratulate Brett on his appointment as our cross border commissioner,” Gayle Tierney said.

“Brett has a wealth of experience and a proven track record of developing and implementing initiatives that benefit communities and help local businesses prosper.

“We understand the challenges that face our border communities, and this role is vital in helping us deliver practical outcomes for people who live in them.”

The government established the cross border commissioner in 2018 with the goal to identify and advocate for matters affecting communities that straddle state jurisdictions, helping make them even better places to live and work.