by A.P Fuhl
In a surprise move, which we’re told has been some time in the making, from midnight Broken Hill will officially become part of South Australia, and say goodbye to NSW.
Legislation drafted by the Federal Border Authority (FBA) overnight reveals the state lines are being redrawn.
“We’re set to welcome our new neighbours,” the SA Premier told the Truth. “Yes, they’re different from us, but we’re ready to welcome our friends from away.”
Mayor Tom Kennedy said it was proof, “that we always punch above our weight”.
The sensational news has been a long time coming, with many residents of the Silver City always considering themselves honorary South Australians, given the historic mining town’s proximity to the state.
The dreaded half an hour time difference will no longer be an issue, not unless you want to travel into NSW, which now starts at historic Silverton – the town not being included in the redistribution.
“I can’t say we’re unhappy to see them go,” said one customer at the Silverton Pub. “They come in here on weekends and drink our beer.”
South Australia’s Minister for Geographical Adjustments, Tony Magellan said, “as the Minister responsible, it is with a touch of pride and a sense of camaraderie that I officially announce the transition of Broken Hill from New South Wales to its new home in South Australia.
“Like a skilled surveyor navigating the vast outback, we’ve made these adjustments to better serve our communities. As the saying goes, ‘home is where the heart is,’ and we believe Broken Hill will find a warm welcome in South Australia.”
But it looks like NSW is not going to take the move lying down, with Minister Rich Dinero releasing a statement following the official announcement claiming the decision, “is the biggest travesty since New South Wales was forced to compromise with Victoria and place our nation’s capital in Canberra”.
“I will create a committee to investigate the legality of this move and am not willing to rule out legal action to prevent this from happening.
“I’m also very concerned about the amount of red dirt we will lose, though our risk of lead contamination has dramatically lessened.”
Minister Dinero said refugees crossing the border from Broken Hill into NSW would be warmly welcomed, though watches and smart phones will be checked to ensure they have the correct NSW time and he wouldn’t rule out those who didn’t comply being sent back across state lines.
Broken Hill vehicle owners have until July 1 to re-register their vehicles to comply with South Australian road rules. The fee will be limited to $1200 per vehicle, which the SA Premier said, “was a bargain”.
