8 Apr 2020

Coronavirus: Former health union leader backs David Clark's demotion

From Morning Report, 6:44 am on 8 April 2020

The Health Minister's failure to observe the lockdown rules has been described by a former health union leader as an honest mistake but one that warranted punishment.

Despite the national Covid-19 lockdown, David Clark hopped in his car, drove 20 kilometres to the beach with his family and went for a walk.

He's been stripped of his associate finance minister role and demoted down the Cabinet rankings.

Ian Powell headed the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists for 30 years and worked closely with Mr Clark.

He told our political reporter Jo Moir the Prime Minister was right to keep him in the job.