NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet accused of being ‘disrespectful’ toward chief health officer

Dominic Perrottet was grilled in a fiery exchange where the new Premier was accused of being ‘disrespectful’ to Kerry Chant.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has been grilled in his first significant press conference as the state’s leader, with a TV reporter asking if it was “disrespectful” that he did not invite the chief health officer.

Mr Perrottet, sworn in as NSW premier on Wednesday after the resignation of Gladys Berejiklian, announced students across the state would return to school by October 25.

He also unveiled several other changes to the state’s road map out of lockdown.

With NSW reaching 70 per cent of its eligible population aged 16 and older fully vaccinated against Covid-19 on Wednesday, Mr Perrottet said he was able to announce the easing of a raft of restrictions.

However, NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant was a notable absentee from the press conference and 9 News reporter Chris O’Keefe pulled no punches with Mr Perrottet.

Dr Chant was front and centre of the Covid-19 updates and rule changes for most daily press conferences since the pandemic began in March last year.

“What does it say to your respect of Dr Kerry Chant that you wouldn‘t invite her here today as one of your first major (press conferences). It is a bit disrespectful isn’t it?” O’Keefe asked.

“Dr Chant is one of my favourite constituents in Epping,” Mr Perrottet fired back.

“We’ve always had a great relationship. But ... we are moving away from 11am press conferences, the health numbers will now be provided (at 9am).”

Premier Dominic Perrottet was caught in a tense exchange with a reporter at a press conference on Thursday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Adam Yip

But O’Keefe kept pressing and said “if it’s a health crisis the chief health officer should be here.”

“Well, it’s also an economic crisis as well,” Mr Perrotte snapped.

“I sat down with the Health Minister and Dr Chant yesterday. We went through some of these potential changes.

“We went through the opportunities to make some sensible amendments, some stable and steady amendments to the roadmap and I think the changes today are sensible.”
The awkward back-and-forth came as Mr Perrottet announced a raft of restrictions being eased.

Students will be back in classroom by the end of the month.

“All schools will return to by October 25,” Mr Perrottet said. “That’s great for kids and a major relief for parents and their sanity.”

Indoor pools will also be opened from Monday (October 11), while weddings and funerals will have their caps raised from 50 attendees to 100.

From Monday, 10 vaccinated adults will also be allowed to gather in homes (it had been five but has been raised), while 30 adults can gather in public outdoor spaces (up from 20).

From Monday, 30 adults will be allowed to gather outdoors. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

At 80 per cent, Mr Perrottet also said the government would remove the requirement to wear masks in the office but teachers would still have to wear masks in classrooms.

That is because not all school children will be vaccinated.

NSW will also increase caps on gatherings at 80 per cent, with 20 adults allowed to gather in homes.

Outdoors, 50 people will be able to congregate, while 3000 people can attend ticketed outdoor events providing a Covid-safe plan has been submitted.