TEXAS — Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on Oct. 13 took a jab at a strict new vaccine policy Australia’s Northern Territory has put in place, calling it “Covid tyranny.”

The policy levies a fine against citizens who fail to get vaccinated.

In a tweet, Cruz, shared a video in which Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner announces the policy. Cruz said he loves the Aussies but that the actions of the government are “disgraceful & sad.”

Gunner, retweeting Cruz, pointed out some Northern Territory COVID-19 statistics and contrasted them with Texas statistics.

“Nearly 70,000 Texans have tragically died from COVID. There have been zero deaths in the Territory. Did you know that?” Gunner wrote.

“We’ve done whatever it takes to protect the Territory,” Gunner continued. “That’s kept us safe AND free. We have been in lock down for just eight days in 18 months. Our businesses and schools are all open. Did you know that?”

“We don’t need your lectures, thanks mate. You know nothing about us. And if you stand against a life-saving vaccine, then you sure as hell don’t stand with Australia. I love Texas (go Longhorns), but when it comes to COVID, I’m glad we’re nothing like you,” Gunner concluded.

According to Johns Hopkins University data, as of Oct. 20, 2021, 69,304 Texans have died from COVID-19. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott by executive order has banned all state entities from enacting vaccine mandates. That includes private businesses.

The Northern Territory, as of Oct. 20, is reporting zero deaths attributed to COVID-19 and nine current active cases. It covers more than 500,000 square miles but is not densely populated. The most recent data puts the population around 247,000.