31 Jul McGowan gets a corona wedgie

Wedge politics is a technique used to divide and conquer an opposing party on a contentious issue, such as euthanasia or gay marriage. It also divides voters by forcing them to take a side, “you’re either with me, or against me” – leaving no room for a more sophisticated conversation. 

We’re now seeing it play out with coronavirus and WA Premier, Mark McGowan is at the pointy end of the wedge. “Our hard border is keeping us safe,” he cries. He’s right. But it doesn’t make those opposed to the hard border wrong.

I would be the last person to defend Clive Palmer, he’s a complete loony, but his action in the High Court this week raises a good question. Do the states have the right to make an arbitrary decision, regardless of the consequences?

It could be argued that the hard border is only keeping some people safe (not everyone who contracts Covid-19 dies) and that it is being enforced at ALL costs, without enough consideration for its adverse effects. We have heard plenty from our business community about the economic damage of the policy, though not so much about the toll it’s taking on separated families or those being prevented from travelling for work.

The Premier acknowledges, “it’s tough,” but there’s very little willingness to find a way to protected WA from the spread of coronavirus while allowing people with good reason and the right health protocols, to travel across the border. It’s an all or nothing proposition.

So, if anyone argues that it’s not worth it, that the risk is minimal, that the damage to parents separated from their kids, ex-pats left in limbo, those with chronic mental health issues and anyone else who has been locked out of their home is not acceptable, then they are labelled murderers. Bring on the hyperbole!

In politics, there is no way to keep everyone happy all of the time and it takes courage to risk your popularity, but surely there’s a middle ground. We have innumerable federal and state corona task forces, a well-equipped public service and a willing and able business community, who could work together to find a solution. We also have enough intelligent, experienced people out of work, who could be employed to implement the plan.

I fear now that the Premier has created the wedge, he knows that any deviation from his narrative would see him labelled weak, irresponsible, reckless and stupid.

It’s a wedgie that’s not easy to extract, but surely he should try.