Kerry Chant has been snubbed from appearing alongside new Premier Dominic Perrottet to celebrate the end of the lockdown in NSW.
Just hours from Freedom Day, the state registered 477 new Covid cases and six deaths as infections continue to fall.
Five of the victims were unvaccinated, while the other had received a dose.
NSW has also surpassed the milestone 90 percent single-dose vaccination rate.
Stuart Ayres, Brad Hazzard and Victor Dominello speak at 11.30 about companies that reopen from kl. 12.01 on Monday and how the relaxed restrictions affect their respective portfolios.
This is the second time in a week that NSW’s health chief has not been present for a milestone press conference, which has given rise to concern that she did not approve Perrottet’s accelerated timetable outside the lockdown.
On Friday morning, NSW Deputy Prime Minister Paul Toole rejected reports that she was not on board with changes Perrottet introduced after he stepped into his new role.
‘I had a closet the day before and Kerry Chant was in the meeting. We do not make decisions without the support of NSW Health or Dr Kerry Chant, ‘he said.

Dr Chant’s failure to appear is the second time in a week that she has not been present at a milestone press conference, raising concerns that she did not approve Mr Perrottet’s out-of-lock schedule

A positive message will help welcome hungry and thirsty customers again, after lockdown eases in NSW on Monday
Dr Chant stood side by side with former NSW Prime Minister Gladys Berejiklian through the darkest days of the pandemic to keep the nation updated on the spread of the virus in Australia’s largest state.
But the new Mr Perrottet seems to be delivering content that delivers his important messages without her, instead he is calling on other ministers as he focuses on kick-starting the state’s economy.
Sir. Ayres, the Minister for Jobs and Western Sydney, is likely to discuss how companies and employees will benefit from returning to work.
Dominello helped create the vaccine passport needed to enter premises in his role as digital and customer service minister.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard has been a mainstay in press conferences for several months.
Perrottet announced on Thursday a revised strategy for the reopening of NSW, and questions were raised about Dr Chant’s absence
One reporter went so far as to describe Dr Chant’s failure as ‘disrespectful’, and others questioned whether she even joined the accelerated roadmap.
‘What does it say about your respect for Dr Kerry Chant when she’s led us through this for the last two years and you would not invite her here today on your first major [press conference]asked a reporter.
‘That’s a little disrespectful right?’

Staff make sure they are fully stocked with alcohol and food as they prepare for reopening in Sydney on Monday
Perrottet replied sternly: ‘Dr Chant is one of my favorite ingredients in Epping. We have always had a good relationship. ‘
The journalist said that during a health crisis, it was reasonable to expect the head of health to attend major Covid press conferences.
‘Well, it’s an economic crisis too,’ replied a rattling Mr Perrottet. ‘As the new Prime Minister, we are the elected representatives.
‘The style may be different and changes will be made, but in my opinion we had a very constructive discussion last night and as the Minister of Health has said, these changes are supported by the health team.’
After a meeting with the crisis cabinet on Wednesday, when the state reached a milestone with double the dose of vaccination, Perrottet announced the changes.
As part of the new plans, indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people, without counting children under 12. Outdoor gatherings will be raised to 30 people.
For weddings and funerals, 100 people can attend.

Recently-appointed Prime Minister Dominic Perrottet announced on Thursday a revised strategy to reopen NSW

Dr Chant stood side by side with former NSW Prime Minister Gladys Berejiklian through the darkest days of the pandemic to keep the nation updated on the spread of the virus in Australia’s largest state
NSW indoor swimming pools will also be able to open for lessons, training and rehabilitation activities.
The restrictions will ease further when 80 percent of the adult population is completely stung, expected around October 25th.
That’s when 3,000 people are allowed outdoor tickets and nightclubs can reopen, but without dancing.
Masks will also not be required in office buildings in an attempt to encourage workers back to Sydney’s CBD.
These reduced restrictions only apply to fully vaccinated until 1 December, when freedoms are restored for the non-vaccinated.
Dr Chant seemed nervous about the rapid reopening as she called for “caution” among state residents ahead of the first phase of restriction relief.
But picnic hotspots turned into lavish moshpits in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and northern beaches overnight as residents risked fines for celebrating Freedom Day early.
Hundreds gathered by the water at Bondi and Manly on Saturday night to party before the Covid restrictions were eased on Monday for residents with double stings.

Sweep up all the nooks and crannies to make sure everything is spotless before NSW starts reopening
Massive crowds flocked to ‘The Office’ in Manly – a popular spot by the harbor near the quay – where music blew up and an impromptu dance floor was set up.
Revelers were filmed crammed together and without masks as they cursed ABBA songs out with drinks in tow while some were reported to urinate.
Similar scenes took place on Bondi beach after police were forced to disperse huge crowds that began gathering all day.
A number of guidelines were given to residents while no fines were issued despite public health orders being in place until Monday.
Under Covid-19 restrictions, only groups of five fully vaccinated adults are allowed to gather outdoors until state home orders are eased on Oct. 11.

Residents turned up to celebrate Freedom Day early after NSW hit its 70 percent vaccination target this week


Hundreds of partygoers flocked to Manly Beach on Saturday (pictured) just days before the state’s planned Freedom Day