Today the NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet hosted a press conference at Watson’s Pub in Sydney’s Moore Park.
The theme of today’s conference was certainly more about business and beer than health and a line-up of business-orientated speakers was clearly emphasising that our new freedoms are about dollars.
Perpetuating the myth that all Australians really care about is liquid gold, speakers at the event mentioned beer at least 14 times, as if people had been deprived of a coldie – when in fact, alcohol sales have gone through the roof!
The NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said opening NSW is a team effort. ‘The team is very excited just like every single person right across New South Wales.
A difficult 100 days
‘It has been a difficult 100 days out, but the efforts that people have made right across the state to go out, get vaccinated has enabled this, this great day to occur, there are going to be challenges. We know that and I ask again everybody, right across our state to treat everybody with kindness and respect – take personal responsibility.
‘There’s no doubt there will be teething issues but there are many young people are pulling beers today, serving tables at restaurants and cafes.
Mr Perrottet said today is incredibly important for the economy. ‘It’s not just a health crisis it’s an economic crisis. New South Wales is leading the nation out of this pandemic. As you know there are rules in place, and there are still restrictions in place – they’re not there for the sake of it – they are there because we obviously want to want to make sure that we look after people’s health care, particularly at a time as we will no doubt see, case numbers increase.
‘We will see hospitalizations increase’
‘We will see hospitalizations increase, but we’ve invested significant amounts in our health system.
‘We now need to learn to live alongside the virus.
‘There will be challenges but I believe that our state is poised and ready, and that is on our people. This is not the government, who have been the ones that have been able to make his decision today, it has been the great work the efforts, the sacrifice, everybody across the state.
‘I say that everyone at a New South Wales you’ve earned it. Enjoy it. It’s a great day. Today we should all be pleased at arriving at. But as I said there will be there will be issues that come up, they’ll be challenges that come our way. But if we look out for each other. If we respect each other, we will be able to make sure that New South Wales gets through this period of time and come stronger out the other side.
Are you having a ‘Freedom Frothy’
The Deputy Premier, Paul Toole, also spoke about beers. ‘Today is an exciting day. People are getting their first taste of freedom. The message is very simple: New South Wales is open. Businesses are once again opening their doors and we’ve got people going back to work. I want to say thank you to the people across New South Wales – thank you for coming forward and getting vaccinated. You have actually helped us to get to this important milestone today.
‘Today, I know there’s a lot of hope, there’s a lot of optimism out there in our communities. And this is the day we’ve been all waiting for. The optimism is out in the regions and I’m going to call the beer today the ‘freedom frothy’.
Where’s Glad?
When asked if he was disappointed that ex NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian was not there to celebrate, Mr Perrottet said he was. ‘Glad, as you know, has led us through this pandemic, and it’s a great day for the state. I’m sure we’re all disappointed that she’s not here to celebrate this great moment with the people of New South Wales. Because she was, I think, an outstanding Premier, the most outstanding Premier we’ve had.
‘As all the media know, she was out every single day, daily press conferences, and it hasn’t just been the last 100 days, we’re talking 18 months here of challenge for our state.
‘It’s been a very, very difficult time on government, on her, as the leader. But I know she’s here in spirit and you never know, Glad may go out and have a beer herself tonight.’
Mr Perrottet urged everyone to go out and have fun. ‘Enjoy the day, because you have earned it. Have a beer, go out and have a meal, enjoy yourselves, go to the movies.’
Beer!
Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19
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