Member for Murray Helen Dalton criticises federal counterpart Sussan Ley after Deniliquin removed from border bubble

The state member for Murray was commenting after Edward River Council, which is in both the MPs' seats, was cut from Victoria's border bubble this week.

"I'm just wondering where Sussan Ley is on all this," Mrs Dalton said.

"I don't hear her saying anything, why isn't she screaming from the rooftops on state borders, she's the member for that area.

"Yet she's silent, though being a minister she's high profile and she's also friends with Scomo and could do something about it."

Asked how the Commonwealth could intervene, given states control border access, Mrs Dalton pointed to the federal government weighing into water policy as a precedent.

Ms Ley noted the Commonwealth had sought a national approach on borders but "some of the premiers are even still pushing back on this, which is their right".

IN OTHER NEWS:

"Every local MP has their own approach to best represent our constituents but, as a rule, I've found being combative is less likely to achieve anything, let alone change the constitution," Ms Ley said.

"Right now, it really would be more helpful if our NSW state members pressured the Deputy Premier to detail the plan he has for extra financial assistance to help our border tourism and hospitality businesses get through this extremely rough time.

"During this global health emergency, there are a few people seemingly content to throw rocks or misinformation from the sidelines - others just get on with the job we're paid to do, which is to help our people get through this as best as we can."

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said this week further assistance for the border tourism sector was being worked on.

As to reopening from lockdown, he said on Friday he was "still confident next week we will be able to do something in the regions".

Mr Barilaro said he had received no explanation from the Victorian government for why Edward River was excluded from the border bubble.