The Allan Labor Government has appointed Victoria's next Cross Border Commissioner to continue to advocate for locals living and working across the state's border communities.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today announced Brett Davis will take up the role from next month, continuing the critical work to resolve local issues and develop common approaches with neighbouring states.
He will replace inaugural commissioner Luke Wilson who is stepping down after five years in the role. Mr Davis has most recently been CEO of Moyne Shire Council and was previously the Executive Director Regional Victoria for the Victorian Planning Authority.
Mr Davis has more than 30 years' experience across both public and private sectors across Australia in a range of fields including town planning, local government, and industry - with a particular focus on rural and regional Victoria.
The Labor Government established the Cross Border Commissioner in 2018 to identify and advocate for matters affecting communities that straddle state jurisdictions, helping make them even better places to live and work.
During his time as Cross Border Commissioner, Mr Wilson helped design the border bubble during Victoria's temporary border closures in 2020 and 2021. He also helped Victoria's border communities to access relief and recovery arrangements following the devastating fires in the Upper Murray and East Gippsland in 2019 and 2020.
Other outcomes include advocacy for numerous reforms including V/Line regional fare caps, improved inclusion of border applicants in state government grant programs such as Free Nursing and Free Teaching scholarships, and better information on road rule changes for P and L plate drivers when they cross borders.
The Government has also paid tribute to Luke Wilson for his tireless work supporting and advocating for cross border communities, particularly for his role during the pandemic and after the 2019 and 2020 bushfires.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
"We thank Luke for all his work in this role and congratulate Brett on his appointment as our Cross Border Commissioner. 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."
As stated by Cross Border Commissioner Brett Davis
"I am excited about the opportunity that this role presents and keen to build on Luke's work. 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."
