The Prime Minister has escalated his dispute with Mark McGowan over Western Australia’s hard border closure, warning the Premier his “all-or-nothing approach” will “highly likely” fall foul of the constitution.
Key points:
- A border court challenge is unlikely to go in WA’s favour, the PM says
- The Premier says WA will keep fighting Clive Palmer’s legal bid
- One expert has told court a “targeted” border closure would be better
Clive Palmer’s WA border dispute is being heard in the Federal Court this week, before heading to the High Court later this year.
Scott Morrison has defended the Commonwealth’s decision to join Mr Palmer’s action.
He said he was concerned about the “combative” way the debate had unfolded.
“I do fear an all-or-nothing approach on the case is not the best way forward because I think the constitutional position is fairly clear,” he said.
Federal Attorney-General Christian Porter insisted the Commonwealth was not “siding” with Mr Palmer.
“This is not about any great love or any great dislike for Clive Palmer,” he told 6PR radio.
“The problem with [the border closure] is it’s a complete all-or-nothing approach.
“If