Gladys Berejiklian ‘begrudges’ Queensland premier for tough border restrictions

The NSW Premier says she “begrudges” her Qld counterpart for keeping the border closed to her state despite low levels of transmission.

The ongoing border-spat between Gladys Berejiklian and Annastacia Palaszczuk has taken another turn with the NSW Premier saying she “begrudges” her Queensland counterpart for keeping the border closed.

“I do begrudge her because (of the) situation. We (have) low community transmission and NSW has shown you can have open borders,” Ms Berejiklian told the Today show.

“We don’t mind. We have Queenslanders coming in (because) we open our borders to everybody.”

The NSW premier pointed to the “irony” of having Queenslanders in Sydney hotels who have the virus.

Gladys Berejiklian “begrudges” her Queensland counterpart for keeping the border closed. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk closed the border to NSW in early August. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dan Peled

She also acknowledged if NSW has high case numbers like Victoria she would support the hard border closure

“Of course I would support (Queensland) closing the borders. But when the case numbers are so low at this stage … and yes it’s a daily battle, why would you close your borders?

“Why would you hurt your businesses and jobs in your own state?.”

The issue came to light after Ms Berejiklian was asked about why it took Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ so long before deciding that Victorian contact tracers should visit NSW to learn about how the state has successfully managed the virus, so far.

The closure has caused issued for a number people living in border towns. Picture: Scott Powick/News Corp

Ms Berejiklian said she wants her colleagues to consider the whole of Australia when making tough decisions. Picture: Scott Powick/News Corp

“I don't begrudge any other premier for exercising their right to do what they think is best,” she said.

“But that aside, I do urge my colleagues – not Dan because he's got crisis he is dealing with – but I do ask all our other colleagues to think about Australia as well as their own state.”

NSW recorded nine new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday.