NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has come under fire for enjoying a country cup race day while waves of COVID-19 continue to engulf the state.
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Mr Perrottet was one of a clutch of politicians spotted at the Moruya Cup on the NSW South Coast.
He was seen alongside Bega MP Andrew Constance, Liberal candidate for the Bega by-election Fiona Kotvojs, Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberal Party Stuart Ayres, and Liberal Senator Marise Payne on Monday.
The Premier's appearance was not without critics, as some accused him of "running away" from COVID-19 issues in Sydney.
"Glad you're enjoying yourself," Trasi Evans said on Facebook. "Meanwhile, hospitals are beginning to feel the strain, staff are under the pump, and testing stations and pathologies are overwhelmed and closing."
"How ironic," said Jessie Peng. "While healthcare workers are under enormous strain, you're having a great time here."
"I think a pandemic is more important than a horse race," said Jo Fickel. "That should be your priority, fixing our health system."
"Does NSW have a Premier to lead us in a crisis? Or a leader who prefers going to the races?" asked Grahame Marks. "Sydney and NSW are in crisis, and we have absolutely not leadership."
The Labor candidate for the upcoming Bega by-election, Dr Michael Holland, didn't comment on the Premier's "personal decision" to visit the NS South Coast racetrack, but did say he understood the community's "anxiety" over the current wave of COVID-19.
Ms Kotvojs defended the Premier's appearance in Moruya, describing it as "really positive".
"(They) were coming down to support the local community after a particularly difficult year," she said.
"The Premier is keen to get the feedback from people and talk to them about local issues and how things are tracking down here.
"Both Dom and Stuart spent quite a lot of time with the people talking to them about how things are going for them."
Ms Kotvojs also rejected claims the Premier had gone "missing" during the current COVID-19 crisis.
"He's very present at all times," she said.
"He's done a presser this morning (Wednesday, January 5), he's been in a national cabinet, and he's been all over the state even during his own holiday period.
"From my perspective, I see it as a positive to have a Premier who is interested in people's experiences, and takes the time to talk to people."
Peter Atkinson, chairman of the Moruya Jockey Club board, said he believed Mr Perrottet was the first Premier to attend the Moruya Jockey Club.
"I went back through some records, and I don't believe a Premier has ever visited our race track," he said.
Mr Ayres said he was in Moruya because he "enjoys a country race meeting".
"I commend the Moruya Race Club for putting on a wonderful event, and it was great to see such a great crowd in attendance," he said.
"As Tourism Minister, I think the South Coast is one of the jewels in NSW's tourism crown, and I was pleased to see so many people enjoying the wonderful destination while exercising COVID-safe practices."
Premier Dominic Perrottet was contacted for comment.