The NT's Chief Minister Michael Gunner clashes with US Senator Ted Cruz over territory's vaccine mandate
US Senator Ted Cruz has something to say about the Northern Territory's vaccine mandates - but Chief Minister Michael Gunner isn't having it. In a heated exchange on Twitter, Gunner said the state does not need Cruz's "lectures" after the US Republican called the mandate across the Northern Territory "disgraceful and sad."
"I love the Aussies. Their history of rugged independence is legendary; I've always said Australia is the Texas of the Pacific," said Cruz on the tweet. "The COVID tyranny of their current government is disgraceful & sad. Individual liberty matters. I stand with the people of Australia."
G’day from Down Under @tedcruz. Thanks for your interest in the Territory. I’m the Chief Minister. Below are a few facts about COVID down here. https://t.co/cGFwBP7Nqx pic.twitter.com/mGNyOxlN41
— Michael Gunner (@fanniebay) October 18, 2021
The comments follow the recent sweeping vaccine mandate across the Northern Territory. However, Gunner didn't let Cruz's comments fly, who hit back at the US senator while underscoring some facts and the reiterating the importance of vaccinations.
"Vaccination is so important here because we have vulnerable communities and the oldest continuous living culture on the planet to protect. Did you know that?" he responded.
Read more: COVID-19: Should vaccine be mandatory in these sectors?
He stressed that the government has also done "whatever it takes to protect" the Northern Territory, which kept it "safe and free."
"We don't need your lectures, thanks mate,” he said. “You know nothing about us. And if you stand against a life-saving vaccine, then you sure as hell don't stand with Australia.”
Gunner also took a swipe against Cruz by comparing the deaths across Texas and Northern Territory from COVID-19.
"Nearly 70,000 Texans have tragically died from COVID. There have been zero deaths in the Territory. Did you know that?" he said. "I love Texas (go Longhorns), but when it comes to COVID, I'm glad we are nothing like you.”
The Northern Territory has imposed a sweeping vaccine mandate that is touted by the media as one of the strictest one in the world. It requires workers to have the first dose by November 13 or risk facing a $5,000 fine. They should also receive their second shots by December 24.
