The Cross Border Commissioner acts as a voice for more than 140,000 people who live in and work in South Australia’s cross-border communities. South Australia is connected to five state and territory borders: Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. These communities have strong business connections and social relationships with their interstate neighbours.
State regulations and policies can often impact many important interactions. These may be related to things like health care, freight, agriculture and sport activities.
The Cross Border Commissioner is Kelly-Anne Saffin. She was previously the Chief Executive of Regional Development Australia, Adelaide and has held regional development roles in the Yorke and Mid North, Limestone Coast and Eyre Peninsula regions.
The commissioner’s duties include:
- helping governments and service providers work together to address issues in cross-border communities
- working with all levels of government, businesses, and the community to make sure the needs of border areas are considered when making policies and law
- identifying barriers for economic development in the regions and helping make the regulatory environment easier, so businesses can operate and grow near borders
- helping people living near the border get better services, like schools, hospitals, and community help, by working with other areas and service providers.
- keeping people and businesses near the border updated on important issues and progress
- preparing annual plans for the minister and providing reports as needed.
These duties and other functions are prescribed by the SA Cross Border Commissioner Act 2022.
Contact the Office of the Cross Border Commissioner
Office of the Cross Border Commissioner
27 Sturt Street
Mount Gambier SA 5290
Telephone: 0400 049 126
Email: SACBC.Administration@sa.gov.au
Related information
Review of cross border mutual recognition and skills mobility
This rapid review examines workforce skills and labour movement across South Australia’s border communities to help guide ongoing work between government and industry. The findings highlight practical opportunities to strengthen workforce skills, improve labour mobility, and support regional communities. The final report provides a foundation for solutions that align with the Commissioner’s strategic priorities and support the long-term sustainability of border communities.
Report: Skills and Labour Mobility in Cross Border Communities (PDF, 4.4 MB)
Detailed Findings: Skills and Labour Mobility in Cross Border Communities
(PDF, 4.9 MB)
Strategic priorities and reports
Summary: Office of the Cross Border Commissioner Strategic Priorities 2025-26 (PDF, 394.3 KB)
Office of the Cross Border Commissioner Strategic Priorities 2025-26 (PDF, 2.4 MB)
Report: South Australian Cross Border Communities Stocks and Flows (PDF, 9.6 MB)
