Paul Kelly says he is ready to meet the WA Premier “any time”, after Mark McGowan said he did not know who he was amid an ongoing feud between state premiers over border closures.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly says he is ready to meet the WA Premier “any time”, after Mark McGowan said he did not know who he was amid an ongoing feud between state premiers over border closures.
Mr McGowan hit back at calls from the New South Wales and federal governments for interstate borders to be reopened, saying he would not be “bullied” by a state that allowed the Ruby Princess disaster to unfold.
“I dont know who Paul Kelly is, clearly not the singer,” he said.
Speaking later in Canberra, Professor Kelly said there was no medical reason for Australians to be stopped from travelling interstate, and that the Federal Government had never advised they should be closed.
“From a medical point of view I can’t see why the borders are still closed,” he said.
“Just to let Mr McGowan know, I’m a proud West Australian,” he said with a smile.
“I grew up in that state, so I hope I’ll be claimed.
“Happy to meet him any time, it might be a while for now depending on the border closures.”
Earlier New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian took aim at states with closed borders, claiming they were “hindering” Australia’s economic recovery.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer said he was sure Mr McGowan was getting “the best advice” from WA’s Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson, who has advised not to reopen the borders.
When questioned on the discrepancy between the national and state advice, Professor Kelly said the national body of health experts decided early on “not to have a decision on borders”.
“As have been the case with much of the national advice, specific issues related to states are to be done at that state level,” he said.
“Western Australia can close their border, and they have.”
Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT are the only jurisdictions not to close their borders and enforce two-week quarantine periods for anyone entering.
More to come.