FROM 6pm Friday, a permit will be required for any cross-border movements between Victoria and New South Wales.

It’s a measure Member for Mildura Ali Cupper hoped would not be required.

“All along I’ve advocated for a fair and proportionate response to outbreaks both inside Victoria and outside of state borders,” Ms Cupper said.

“The license-checking system kept things running smoothly, and compliance by border communities has been high all along.

“But once again border communities have to do the heavy lifting to keep the rest of Victoria safe.”

Cross-border travel will only be allowed under ten reasons and the Victorian Government has indicated that permits will need to be renewed every 14 days.

“Describing these changes as a challenge is an understatement, it’s a disheartening return to the procedures we saw last year,” Ms Cupper said.

“We’re still awaiting details of how this permit system will look in practice, but the community won’t take kindly if there’s an unfair administrative burden put on us.”

Ms Cupper’s biggest concern is how the permit system application process could impact people without internet access, and those with low computer literacy.

“The reintroduction of permits may throw these people into an absolute tailspin,” she said.

“The system for cross-border travel needs to account for all members of our community.

“A permit system that’s exclusively available online or via an app is exclusionary, and will only add to the stress and trauma associated with this pandemic.”

Ms Cupper will be monitoring how the permit process is implemented, and will provide feedback to Government accordingly.