Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has revealed her sassy response after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian claimed she had ignored a text about border restrictions.
Ms Berejiklian revealed on Thursday morning she had extended an olive branch out to Ms Palaszczuk via a text message after the election to have “that conversation” about loosening border restrictions.
However the QLD Premier denies getting a text about border restrictions, despite claims Ms Palaszczuk left her on read for three days before responding with just one word.
“Premier Palaszczuk replied following the outcome of last night’s Origin game with the word ‘Queenslander’,” a spokesman said.
It was a slight brag after the Blues’ 18-14 loss to the Maroons in game one of the NRL State of Origin on Wednesday.
Speaking on the Today show on Thursday morning, Ms Berejiklian said she was still yet to have a word with Ms Palaszczuk after her success at Saturday’s election.
“I’ve tried. I reached out to her and congratulated her and asked to have that conversation,” she said.
“That’s fine. But at the end of the day, it is the citizens that hurt … both hers and mine and citizens across Australia.”
On Thursday afternoon, Ms Berejiklian again said the text message from Sunday included a desire to talk with Ms Palaszczuk about borders.
“I did not hear from her until last night when she sent me a text about State of Origin,” she told reporters.
“I didn’t know whether to be shocked or bemused, frankly, because I’m worried about jobs and I’m worried about people not seeing their families.
“And she just rubbed in the fact that Queensland won the game, that’s fine.
“She didn’t mention borders, she didn’t mention a thanks for the congratulations.”
During her appearance on Today, host Ali Langdon asked the NSW Premier to divulge more information about whether Ms Palaszczuk had not answered her phone calls.
“Look, I’ve messaged her on Sunday and … We’ve not had that conversation yet which is disappointing,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Ms Berejiklian said it wasn’t for her to worry about things she couldn’t control.
“The economic devastation which will be caused unnecessarily is not worth the pain,” she said.
“And both she and the WA Premier really need to sit up and think about Australia. Think about their citizens and citizens across Australia who are suffering because of their decisions.”
Queensland opened its borders to all NSW residents except for those living in the Greater Sydney area on Tuesday.
Ms Berejiklian said it was a decision causing unnecessary stress.
From November 23, all Victorians will be allowed to move freely between Victoria and Sydney.
This is despite a worrying cluster in Sydney’s south west.
Ms Palaszczuk told reporters on Wednesday any further changes to her state’s border controls would continue to be made “at the end of the month”.
