A view from the West: McGowan puts moral right over political might

Mark McGowan was damned if he did, and damned if he didn’t. He knew the decision to postpone opening the borders on February 5 would be unpopular in some circles, while others would breathe a sigh of relief, just like well-known WA writer Julia Lawrinson, who posted on Facebook: “Thank you Mark McGowan from every immune compromised person in WA.” Lawrinson’s post drew plenty of support.

WA nurses’ union chief Mark Olson expressed a similar sentiment, saying his members were relieved.

“There are nurses, midwives, carers working in our public health system that know we need more time,” Olson told the ABC.

We might never know whether Olson’s statement that the “premier has saved hundreds of lives with this decision” was melodramatic, but it would have struck a chord with the many West Australians who wanted McGowan to delay opening the border.

But in stark contrast to the nurses, doctors’ union national president Omar Kharshid took to Twitter to say he was “gutted”.

“Seems WA premier Mark McGowan is a one-trick pony when it comes to COVID-19,” Kharshid tweeted.

That sounds more like a sledge you’d expect from McGowan’s political opponents rather than a professional doctorly opinion.

Or maybe even from the media. The state’s daily newspaper The West Australian, which has in the past been a strong supporter of McGowan, took off the gloves and accused him of squandering the time his government had had to prepare opening up: “658 DAYS AND HE’S STILL NOT READY” screamed its front page. “An abject failure of leadership,” opined its editorial.

But given that Omicron has been in the country only since late November — and it’s Omicron that McGowan is citing as the game-changer — the 658 days figure might be a powerful headline but it’s one that is hyperbolic.

Contrast that with McGowan’s statement that it would be “reckless and irresponsible to open up now”.

“I can’t do it,” he said.

This echoes an earlier reference to his conscience and fear of being responsible for mass deaths. What’s this? A politician with a conscience?

McGowan has looked at the other states and territories who have opened their borders and seen the consequences: rampaging Omicron, hundreds of deaths, tens of thousands sick, hospitals at breaking point, staff almost at the end of their tether.

Deeply Catholic Dominic “let it rip” Perrottet and deeply religious Scott “push through” Morrison don’t seem too much troubled by their consciences and the sickness and deaths that emanate from what seem to be inept judgments and their political rather than health decisions.

Culpable negligence, on the other hand, is very much to the fore for McGowan.

Omicron is beginning to get a foothold in WA, but it will be interesting to see how moral rather than political or economic accountability is assessed in the COVID wash-up.

Mark McGowan just might be judged as a politician who’s motivated by right rather than might.

Has Mark McGowan played this one correctly? Let us know your thoughts by writing to letters@crikey.com.au. Please include your full name if you would like to be considered for publication in Crikey’s Your Say column. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.