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Threats made against WA Premier Mark McGowan ‘disgusting’, colleague says

Heath Parkes-HuptonNCA NewsWire
Threats made against WA Premier Mark McGowan have been labelled ‘despicable’. NCA NewsWire / Tony McDonough
Camera IconThreats made against WA Premier Mark McGowan have been labelled ‘despicable’. NCA NewsWire / Tony McDonough Credit: News Corp Australia

Threats made against Western Australia’s Premier after the announcement of a vaccine mandate for workers are “disgusting” and “despicable”, the state’s health minister has said.

WA Police has confirmed it is investigating after Premier Mark McGowan received a barrage of calls and texts to his personal mobile phone this week after his number was posted on social media.

“I can confirm WA Police Force is aware of the threats and an investigation is ongoing,” a spokesperson said.

MCGOWAN PRESSER
Camera IconPolice are investigating after Mark McGowan was targeted by threats. NCA NewsWire / Tony McDonough Credit: News Corp Australia

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On Thursday, hundreds of protesters rallied outside Perth’s Dumas House in opposition to the vaccine mandates set to be rolled out from December 1.

On the same day, the state’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team charged a Huntingdale man for allegedly making death threats to Mr McGowan and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

He was refused bail at Armadale Magistrates Court on Friday.

Health Minister Roger Cook told reporters on Saturday that police were keeping a close eye on people who continue to make threats of violence.

“And the police will make sure you’re punished for this unacceptable behaviour. It’s ridiculous and it’s despicable,” he said.

MCGOWAN PRESSER
Camera IconHealth Minister Roger Cook slammed the behaviour as ‘despicable’. NCA NewsWire / Tony McDonough Credit: News Corp Australia

“We all have families. We all are caring for the community. And these people who’ve gone about this sort of behaviour are quite disgusting.

“And it needs to be stamped out and our message is to just say ‘stop it’.

“Do the right thing. Get yourself vaccinated. Work with the community. We are all in this together and together we’ll get through.

“But not if we are going to attack each other and undertake this divisive behaviour.”

VACCINATION HUB
Camera IconMandatory vaccination rules for workers in WA will be introduced from December. Tony McDonough / NCA NewsWire, Credit: News Corp Australia

Mr Cook said the state’s vaccination rate for people aged 16 and over had passed 60 per cent.

“We’re making good progress,” he said.

Vaccination will be compulsory for about 75 per cent of Western Australia’s workforce, including in “high risk” jobs in teaching, hospitality and construction.

Those in high risk industries must have their first dose of a vaccine by December 1 and be fully vaccinated by December 31.

Mr McGowan said on Wednesday that anyone who does not comply could face hefty fines of up to $100,000 for employers and up to $20,000 for individual workers.

Originally published as Threats made against WA Premier Mark McGowan ‘disgusting’, colleague says

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