Ms Berejiklian made the comments on Monday when asked about the granting of further exemptions in border communities to help people go about their daily lives.
She said the NSW Government had handed out about 200,000 permits under current restrictions, but those figures could be reduced to help keep her state safe.
But Ms Dalton said border town communities were suffering from the government’s decisions.
“I’m not sure if Gladys was trying her hand at stand-up comedy, but I don’t find what she says either funny or accurate,” she said.
“It’s an absolute insult to say she has taken care of us as much as possible.
“In my view, she has ruthlessly thrown border communities under the bus.
“She did not consult with councils, MPs or even health experts in this area before bringing down her sledgehammer on the border.
“Her government has put our lives at risk – something that could have been avoided with planning, consultation and sensible exemptions.”
Ms Berejiklian said any decisions regarding border closures would be made with the whole of NSW in mind.
“According to the health advice, if at any stage we find a category of person or a situation which renders us to allow further permits under those circumstances, we will,” she said at Monday’s daily briefing.
“For us it is walking that fine balance and protecting the community against the spread of the virus but also making sure we don’t make life unnecessarily difficult for people who live in those border communities.
“And there will always be people who argue the balance isn’t right one way or the other, but we have to do what is the safest thing for all of our residents in NSW.”
Victorian Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said he had no problems understanding why the NSW Premier was being so cautious.
“Like us, she has no confidence in the Andrews Labor Government and its management of the soaring COVID-19 infection levels in Melbourne following its failure to keep Victorians safe during the hotel quarantine debacle,” Mr Walsh said.
“Although cross-border communities are frustrated with these circumstances, they genuinely appreciate the willingness of Steph Cooke MP and the NSW Cross Border Commissioner's Office to work with my office on sensible change to permit condition to enable our communities to function.
“They have already helped us with several changes and now, most importantly, are helping add more towns to the remote resident list so people both sides of the river can go about their business.”
The NSW Government was contacted for comment.
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