NSW Premier 'ignored advice of chief health officer' in new Covid roadmap
The relationship between the NSW Premier and Chief Health Officer appears to be in strife with reports she did not approve of the changes to the Covid-19 roadmap.
Dominic Perrottet announced on Thursday a number of changes to the NSW roadmap out of Covid restrictions, including changing the number of visitors to a household from five to 10.
It came after NSW reached 70 per cent double dose on Wednesday. Monday will see the changes come into effect for those fully vaccinated against coronavirus.
On Thursday, when the premier made his announcement at a press conference, Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant was noticeably absent.
The Chief Health Officer’s role is to provide advice to the government and Nine News reports, citing a number of unnamed sources, that Dr Chant did not approve of a number of changes to the roadmap.
The CHO’s advice does not have to be adopted by the government.
BREAKING: I have confirmed Dr Chant did not endorse this new roadmap. The Chief Health Officer warned the new Premier these changes come with risk, but the decision was ultimately a matter for the government. A shift from Perrottet away from “the health advice.” @9NewsAUS
— Chris O'Keefe (@cokeefe9) October 7, 2021
NSW Premier accused of being 'disrespectful' to Dr Chant
Nine News reporter Chris O’Keefe grilled the premier on why she wasn’t there and accused Mr Perrottet of being “disrespectful” to her by not inviting her during the announcement.
“Dr Chant is one of my favourite constituents in Epping,” Mr Perrottet said.
Mr Perrottet said the pair have “always had a great relationship”.
“We are moving away from 11am press conferences, the health numbers will now be provided (at 9am),” he said.
O’Keefe continued to press the premier as it is a “health crisis” and said Dr Chant should be present, to which the premier said it’s “an economic crisis as well”.
Mr Perrottet added he went through the many amendments to the roadmap with the CHO.
However, Former Labor Minister Stephen Conroy claims it’s “absolutely clear cut” that Mr Perrottet does not have Dr Chant’s support at all.
“He doesn’t even let her turn up to a press conference anymore,” he told Sky News.
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