Palmer’s WA border challenge could put Queensland at risk

QUEENSLAND’S ability to restrict its borders could be put at risk by a high-profile court hearing in Western Australia, even as the Morrison Government performed a stunning backflip to withdraw from the case.

On Friday Federal Attorney-general Christian Porter warned Clive Palmer’s bid to open WA’S hard border restrictions “could have repercussions” for other states’ abilities to manage their borders. But on Sunday it was revealed that Prime Minister Scott Morrison had written to WA’S premier to advise his government would no longer be participating in the case.

The border closure to all states, regardless of their level of infection, is hugely popular in WA.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk criticised Mr Palmer for his legal challenge to state border closures, saying it could put at risk “all the hard work we have done”.

“Honestly, these legal challenges are ridiculous during this time,” she said.

“Everybody should respect that states have a job to do to protect their families and not go through the courts and do these legal challenges, putting everything at risk because that’s what will happen. It will put all the hard work that we have done at risk.”

Mr Palmer said “no one wants to expose Western Australians” to COVID-19, but democracy gave anyone the right to take any issue to court.

“The determination of the court is of paramount importance to the freedom we all enjoy,” he said.

Attorney-general Mr Porter said on Friday the High Court decision would apply across Australia.

“If the High Court does find that WA’S position is unconstitutional, then that could very well have repercussions for other states and their ability to manage their borders,” Mr Porter said.

A court decision on the border is not expected until October.