Police commissioner ‘stops’ SA lockdown amid zero community transmission: Kenny

Sky News host Chris Kenny says according to his sources, the South Australian premier and health officer “were pretty keen” to lock down if it wasn’t for the police commissioner Grant Stevens exercising state of emergency powers – stopping the move.

“My sources in South Australia … I am told that the premier and the chief health officer were pretty keen to go into lockdown,” Mr Kenny said.

“That word went out from the public service to various other organisations to prepare for lockdown, some companies, hospitals, maybe even the AFL.

“But I’m told the police commissioner, Grant Stevens, was able to do what he has done a number of times and dial it back, imposing his will and stopping a lockdown.

“Remembering of course, that under the emergency laws in this state, the police commissioner actually has more power than the premier on these issues.

“Now I should point out the premier’s office has denied this characterisation but it seems clear a lockdown was at the very least, a serious consideration.

“Which would of course explain the premier’s opening announcement about no lockdown.”