Ray Hadley blasts NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet for mask rule

The 2GB host went on a passionate nine-minute rant against Mr Perrottet, saying that his handling of the pandemic has signed his “political death warrant”.

2GB radio presenter Ray Hadley has blasted NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet for refusing to implement tougher restrictions, despite rapidly increasing Covid infections.

This comes as NSW recorded yet another surge of 2213 new daily cases on Friday, which followed the 1742 cases recorded on Thursday.

Mr Hadley, who is currently in Queensland and on leave from the 2GB Morning Show until January 17, called in to air his anger over relaxed rules around unvaccinated people being allowed to re-enter retail and hospitality venues and relaxed rules around QR-code check-ins and masks.

“With the Premier of NSW, I find it absolutely inexplicable. I’ve been complaining to him for the last month about this December 15 date that he continued on with,” he said.

“He’s a great man with a big brain, but his brains are in his butt right now … he’s being very obstinate, very stubborn and very stupid, I’m really concerned.”

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Ray Hadley’s frustration with the Premier was palpable. Picture: Fox Sports.

Mr Hadley went as far to say what Mr Perrottet’s actions were “signing his political death warrant” and said he could be ousted in the 2023 state elections, losing the job to Labor leader Chris Minns.

“I think he’s close to signing his political death warrant by this actions. I think it’s gross stupidity,” he said. “He’s putting Sydney and NSW at risk.”

Mr Hadley also spoke about the rising cases in Newcastle, which is currently responsible for the bulk of new infections. Two men who breached isolation orders attended a party at Newcastle’s Argyle House nightclub on December 8, which has now resulted in over 200 cases.

“I’ve got family members in Newcastle who are too scared to go anywhere even though at the moment they’re allowed to do anything they like,” said Mr Hadley. “They’re just too scared to go anywhere because of the rampaging numbers in that area.”

NSW COVID-19 update – Friday 17 December 2021

In the 24-hour reporting period to 8pm last night:

- 94.8% of people aged 16+ have had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
- 93.3% of people aged 16+ have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine pic.twitter.com/bDtZNUCq2P

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) December 16, 2021

During Thursday’s press conference, there was an evident clash between Mr Perrottet and chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant.

When it came to the topic of mask mandates, Mr Perrottet urged people to take “personal responsibility,” while Dr Chant clearly advocated for NSW residents to wear face masks in indoor spaces.

“We’ve taken the advice into account, it’s always a balance in terms of the approach the government takes and that’s the decision I’ve made,” said the Premier.

In comparison, Dr Chant said wearing masks was an “effective mitigant” when it came to fighting both Delta or Omicron.

In light of soaring cases, NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant recommended people wear masks in any situation when they can't socially distance. George St. Picture: Toby Zerna.

“It’s a small price to pay, I know it can fog up glasses and it can be annoying, but it’s a very tiny act and you’re actually protecting yourself but more importantly you’re protecting others,” she said.

Referring to the confusing directions, Mr Hadley called on the state government to change course before Mr Perrottet “loses control of the situation”.

“At the moment the Premier is being obstinate, he’s being stupid, he’s being silly and he needs to wake up to himself,” he said.

“He’s got the training wheels as Premier and someone needs to get in there with a bit of experience and say: ‘Dominic, wake up to yourself’”