The federal government has cited rising community anxiety over the coronavirus catastrophe in Victoria as the reason for withdrawing from a High Court challenge to Western Australia's hard border closures.
In explaining the backflip, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has also told WA Premier Mark McGowan that although the Commonwealth believes the border closures with states which pose no or little risk are unconstitutional, the government will stop public pressure on Mr McGowan.
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Phillip Coorey is the political editor based in Canberra. He is a two-time winner of the Paul Lyneham award for press gallery excellence. Connect with Phillip on Facebook and Twitter. Email Phillip at pcoorey@afr.com
Michael Pelly is the legal editor, based in our Sydney newsroom. He has been a senior adviser to federal and state attorneys-general and written two books, one a biography of former High Court Chief Justice Murray Gleeson. Email Michael at michael.pelly@afr.com
