Michael Gunner, the chief prime minister of the Northern Territory, explained that these harsh protocols are important as nine people tested positive in the communities of Binjari and Rockhole, with the youngest being only 17 years old.
Around 40 people so far are considered to have had "close contacts" with these people, and all of them have also been forced into quarantine camps. Gunner said he expects this number to grow.
Prior to these cases, residents were allowed to leave their homes to purchase food and supplies, exercise for up to two hours and go to work or school. But due to the rising cases, residents are now only allowed to leave their homes in case of an emergency, such as if they need medical treatment or if required by law. (Related: Australia's COVID-19 cases continue to rise despite draconian lockdowns.)
Gunner calls out "anti-vaxxers"
Gunner did not mince words in expressing his anger toward citizens who choose not to be vaccinated, as well as those who are vaccinated but support those who are not.
"If you are anti-mandate, you are absolutely anti-vax. I don’t care what your personal vaccination status is. If you support anybody who argues against the vaccine, you are an anti-vaxxer. Your personal vaccination status is utterly irrelevant," Gunner said in an interview.
He also explicitly rejected any opposition to the vaccine mandates and condemned those who would think of making their own health decisions in this regard. "There are people actually supporting the idea of a teacher being unvaccinated in a remote community classroom with kids who can't be vaccinated. I reject it. If you're out there in any way, shape or form campaigning against the mandate, then you are absolutely anti-vax," he went on.
Gunner's comments are in sharp contrast to that of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who called on state and territory governments to allow Australians to "move forward with the freedoms that should be theirs."
The Northern Territory, which is dealing with a growing outbreak, has one of the strictest vaccination mandates in the country. Under this mandate, most workers are required to have at least one dose of the vaccine by November 12, and a second dose before Christmas. Those who fail to follow these requirements will not be allowed to go to their workplaces.
This rule has triggered protests in Darwin and prompted criticisms from businesses that have been struggling with replacing their unvaccinated staff.
But Gunner didn't flinch. "I think you'll see our vaccine mandate is absolutely crucial to protecting life, particularly Aboriginal life," Gunner said. He also noted that enforcement – not encouragement – was the only way to lift vaccination rates to an adequate level in the Northern Territory.
"We are absolutely going to make sure as many Territorians as possible are vaccinated — that is our best protection against this thing," Gunner added.
This isn't the first time that Gunner labeled anyone raising concerns about the mandates as "anti-vaxxers." He used the same term in September to describe his federal Labor Party colleagues and his Country Liberal Party (CLP) Territory opponents, who were critical of the way the policy was implemented despite being supportive of the vaccine rollout.
Read more about vaccine mandates and tyrannical COVID policies at MedicalMartialLaw.com.
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