McLeish calls for border crossing clarity

Residents in Mansfield and surrounding areas have been left in the lurch by the State Labor Government, as they attempt the stressful process of getting across the border to Albury and back home again for medical procedures.

Speaking in parliament, State Liberal Member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish said she has been contacted by many locals who are struggling to get to their medical appointment, some of which have been critical.

Ms McLeish said, “It is heartbreaking to hear the struggles and stress people are experiencing when applying for a travel exemption. People shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to receive medical treatment.”

“People are concerned they won’t be able to get back home after their medical appointment in Albury, NSW.

They’ve heard of the Victorian’s who are trapped in NSW unable to get home for months on end and fear they will be put in the same boat.”

Ms McLeish called on the Minister for Health to provide a step-by-step process that needs to be followed for people to easily cross the Victorian / NSW border for medical purposes and safely return home, in a bid to make the application process easier.

Ms McLeish continues, “Families and individuals applying for a travel permit and exemption have found the process difficult to locate online, unclear who they need to contact and what documentation needs to be provided. The whole process is stressful and time consuming.”

“A clear, simple outline needs to be provided to give people peace of mind that they have done the right thing, will make it to their medical appointments and safely back home without breaking any rules,” Ms McLeish concludes.

Under Parliamentary guidelines the Minister has 30 days to respond to Ms McLeish’s request.