Home

Coronavirus crisis: WA puts phase five restriction on hold again while awaiting outcome of Clive Palmer High Court challenge

Headshot of Josh Zimmerman
Josh ZimmermanThe West Australian
CommentsComments
VideoThe federal government is expanding its JobKeeper support payments in a bid to stave off a jump in unemployment following the Victorian shutdown.

WA’s move to phase five restrictions has been pushed back a further fortnight as Premier Mark McGowan declared the State was “in a war with Clive Palmer” over the billionaire’s challenge to its hard border.

Optus Stadium will remain limited to a maximum capacity of 30,000 and the 2sqm rule will remain in place until at least August 29 as Victoria continues to grapple with a massive coronavirus caseload and WA awaits the outcome of Mr Palmer’s legal challenge.

“As a nation, we have entered the most dangerous phase of the pandemic,” Mr McGowan said.

The Federal Court held an emergency case management hearing this morning to hear WA’s argument for a retrial of Mr Palmer’s case after the Commonwealth announced it would withdraw from proceedings.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Mr McGowan, speaking after a meeting of National Cabinet, said he was disappointed Prime Minister Scott Morrison had not joined WA in formally requesting a mistrial, despite today publicly urging Mr Palmer to withdraw his challenge.

Queensland billionaire Clive Palmer is challenging WA’s hard border.
Camera IconQueensland billionaire Clive Palmer is challenging WA’s hard border. Credit: Richard Gosling Newswire/News Corp Australia

“I have welcomed the public support from the PM and their withdrawal of support for Clive Palmer’s case — but it would have been better if they supported a fresh trial,” he said.

“We believe a fresh trial is the only way forward and I hope we are successful in court.

“Whatever the outcome of court and with or without the support of the Commonwealth Government, WA will continue our battle, in fact our war, with Clive Palmer to protect our State.”

WA recorded no new cases of coronavirus overnight and there are currently six active cases, all in hotel quarantine.

Mr McGowan revealed National Cabinet had agreed on a national code of practice for the freight industry that would require all interstate truck drivers to return a negative coronavirus test a maximum of seven days before crossing State boundaries.

Police check the details and complete the paperwork required for freight passing through the WA/SA border.
Camera IconPolice check the details and complete the paperwork required for freight passing through the WA/SA border. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian

“Any truck driver arriving in WA will have to show evidence of a negative test in the last seven days,” the Premier said.

“If they can’t, they will receive a direction at the border to have a test within 48 hours.”

Acknowledging that further delaying the move to phase five would hurt some businesses, Mr McGowan repeated his now familiar mantra that WA had reopened further and faster than other States.

“Many businesses are back to normal and it is great to see so many tourism businesses booming all over WA,” he said.

“Our retail, land sales and payroll data continue to improve dramatically.”

He also urged jobless West Australians to consider a move to the regions, where he said there was huge demand particularly in the agricultural and mining sectors.

“It is time to look further afield for work and potentially move to the country,” Mr McGowan said.

“We need West Australians from the city to take up regional jobs now.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails