Australian state premiers have again started an unseemly slanging match over state border closures.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian kicked it off saying states that remain closed are ‘hindering the country’s economic recovery.’
Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan fired back, saying the state could remain closed for many more weeks.
"It’s odd New South Wales is saying don’t catch public transport in Sydney, yet they’re saying ‘why can’t New South Wales people fly to Western Australia. Their message is totally inconsistent."
"We’re not going to give in to that sort of bullying by the New South Wales Premier or anyone else — we are going to protect the health and the economy of Western Australia," McGowan said.
McGowan then cranked it up a few more notches.
"New South Wales had the Ruby Princess — I mean, seriously? And they are trying to give us advice on our borders?"
New South Wales police launched a criminal investigation into the state’s handling of the Covid-19 outbreak on cruise ship Ruby Princess.
The state was criticised for allowing passengers to leave the ship without waiting for test results.
Hundreds later tested positive.
"(The border closure) has protected our health better than other states and it has allowed us to do more to free up restrictions within Western Australia than the other states have done," McGowan added.
Queensland also plans to take it slow and steady with no immediate plans to open its state borders.
