‘Dead’: SA Premier Peter Malinauskas slams Melbourne and Sydney

Australia’s two biggest cities have been declared “dead” in a brutal sledge questioning why anyone would live there.

South Australia’s Premier Peter Malinauskas has taken a cheeky swipe at Australia’s two biggest cities, labelling both Sydney and Melbourne as “dead”.

Mr Malinauskas was promoting jobs at software company Atlassian during a press conference on Monday when he decided to talk down his eastern neighbours.

“I mean seriously, why would you want to live or work in Melbourne or Sydney where the cities are still dead,” he asked.

“We know of course there are other standard of living compromises that need to be made.”

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said both Melbourne and Sydney were ‘dead’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Mr Malinauskas then showed his state pride by spruiking the benefits of living in Adelaide.

“Whereas here in Adelaide you can have it all. All of the highest quality services of anywhere in the world, spectacular weather, close to the beach, close to a city that is now fully activated,” he said.

“Why would you want to be anywhere else?”

It is not the first time South Australia has been in a war of words with the eastern states.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews infamously sparked outrage when he asked why anyone would want to go there.

Back in 2020, Mr Andrews was asked what he thought about South Australia opening its Covid border to other jurisdictions but not Victoria.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews asked why anyone would want to go to South Australia two years ago. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Aaron Francis

“I don’t want to be offensive to South Australians, but why would you wanna go there? Holiday here. The best experiences in our nation are right here in Victoria,” he said.

His comments were met with immediate backlash from proud South Australians.

Dear @DanielAndrewsMP.... Show me a better 3 course meal. #SAGreat#SouthAustraliapic.twitter.com/Y1LYUljNTu

— Michael Smyth (@MichaelSmyth_) June 17, 2020

My response to comments made this morning by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews: pic.twitter.com/2xCEVrpuQ1

— Senator Andrew McLachlan CSC (@almclachlan1) June 17, 2020

@DanielAndrewsMP asked why anyone would want to go to South Australia.

Well Dan, here's why 👇 pic.twitter.com/JdhG4DwLKB

— Steven Marshall, MP (@marshall_steven) June 17, 2020

But even Australia’s two biggest cities are not immune from trading barbs.

It wasn’t hard to read NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet’s mood after Formula One extended its deal to host the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne instead of Sydney.

“It’s a loss for the F1. That is all I can say,” he said.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet was not happy about losing out on the Australian Grand Prix to Melbourne. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

“It’s going to be a really disappointing event for years to come until it comes to its rightful place in Sydney.

“Formula One is a global event, and we are truly Australia’s only global city, so I think in time they will work that out. Good luck to Melbourne.”

Originally published as ‘Dead’: SA Premier Peter Malinauskas slams Melbourne and Sydney