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Premier Mark McGowan shreds $7 million NSW hotel quarantine bill

Charlotte EltonThe West Australian
VideoWA Premier Mark McGowan says its ‘way to early’ to open Western Australia

Premier Mark McGowan has “officially responded” to the $7 million bill that NSW sent WA for quarantining returned West Australians - by shredding it.

Yesterday, the West Australian revealed that NSW had attempted to charge WA $7,383,321 for the cost of putting up returning West Aussies during the pandemic.

In an impassioned Facebook post today, Mr McGowan said he would not “give in” to the “ridiculous” request.

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The post was accompanied by an image of the bill going through the shredder.

“WA will not be paying,” he said.

“The New South Wales Government thinks they can be above everyone else.

“But we are all Australians, and we all have a duty to help safely process returning Australians.”

The bill is for between March 29 and September 30, during which NSW quarantined 1775 WA residents who arrived in Sydney from overseas. It also includes a “proportional share” of the 4991 international arrivals who did not have an address when they stayed in Sydney’s hotel quarantine system.

Mr McGowan insisted that WA is pulling its weight when it comes to quarantine.

“The fact is that WA, outside of the current, temporary reduction, has been taking the biggest per-capita share of returning travellers,” he said.

“As of March, we'll be taking the most once again.”

“We also, of course, never sent New South Wales a bill for the pain and hurt caused when their Government let the virus run rampant off the Ruby Princess.”

Premier Mark McGowan.
Camera IconPremier Mark McGowan. Credit: Simon Santi/The West Australian
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
Camera IconNSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Credit: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Mr McGowan’s post has clocked up 6500 likes and 300 shares.

WA is not the only state sent a bill by the NSW - and not the only state to refuse to pay.

Last week, Queensland's Deputy Premier Steven Miles filmed himself ripping up a tax invoice for more than $30 million dollars for quarantining returning Queenslanders.

Mr Mills said that tearing up the bill felt “incredibly” satisfying.

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