Border residents say they are frustrated and confused about Victoria's authorised worker permit system, which has been rolled out as part of the state's coronavirus restrictions.
As of Monday, all Victorians must carry an authorised worker permit if they are required to leave their home for work.
Under the COVID restrictions, employers are responsible for obtaining the permits, which can be found online, for staff.
However, people crossing the state border for work want further clarity on the permit system and if they need to carry a permit.
Benambra MP Bill Tilley said he has had many inquiries from NSW employers and Victorian residents who work across the border.
"It's like sticking fingers into a leaking dam wall. You put your finger in one hole, another one pops up," he said.
"We don't want to make it any harder for our employers or for our workers."
Return of border bubble
The authorised worker permit is in addition to the cross-border permit that border residents need to apply for to enter Victoria.
Mr Tilley said the return of the border bubble would reduce confusion and burden on residents.
"Our intrinsic work, education, and our economy are important," he said.
"Wodonga needs Albury and Albury needs Wodonga."
Mr Tilley is seeking an amendment to the public health order to reduce the confusion.
Further clarity needed
Victoria's Cross Border Commissioner Luke Wilson said there was currently no obligation for businesses in other states to obtain the authorised worker permit for its Victorian staff.
"The advice we're giving to people is if your employer is willing to do it, it's probably not a bad idea to carry [an authorised workers permit]," he said.
"[But] there's no point asking an NSW employer to attest to or comply with Victorian OH&S rules," he said.
Individuals caught without an authorised worker permit in Victoria could face fines of up to $1,600, which Mr Tilley said was unfair if they were unable to obtain the permit from their workplace.
"It puts at risk a significant number of Victorian staff who simply want to travel over the Murray River to NSW to continue with their employment as an authorised worker."
He said he hoped police would show discretion and suggested they ask for some sort of proof of employment from the interstate business.
"There are significant challenges with us living and working on the border. It's ever-present in our daily life," Mr Tilley said.
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