Mark McGowan said he chose Mr. Dawson due to his demonstrated deep sense of service to the state, being “instrumental” in handling the pandemic in WA as the State Emergency Coordinator and previously the state’s vaccine commander. Having played a key role in pandemic decision-making.
Mr. Dawson was appointed commissioner in 2017 and led the force throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including overseeing the state’s hard borders and travel restrictions, he will succeed current Governor Kim Beazley later this year and is due to be sworn in, in July.
Mr. Dawson said he was honored and very much looking forward to being able to continue his service to the people of Western Australia.
Vaccine pro-choice advocates have raised concerns about the appointment considering the role that Chris Dawson played in the pandemic, potentially blocking any future attempts for a royal commission into the pandemic measures.
