Feds call ‘enough’ on virus shackles

ANOTHER war of words has erupted between Daniel Andrews and Josh Frydenberg after the Victorian government was accused of “callous indifference” to the economic cost of the lockdown.

The federal Treasurer said the Victorian Premier’s stubbornness was “unforgivable” amid fresh calls for the state government to release the public health advice that underpinned eased restrictions.

“More than 1000 jobs are being lost every day on this Premier’s watch. The bloodymindedness is unforgivable,” Mr Frydenberg said.

“He’s making it up as he goes. It’s not even his original road map. Victorian businesses, big and small, are just pleading for a fair go. They just want to get their workers back into a job. Enough is enough.”

Mr Frydenberg said businesses were “losing hope”.

“It’s fine for him to lift the travel restrictions from 5km to 25km, but if businesses are not open, people have nowhere to go,” he said.

“It’s fine ... to say people can go play tennis and golf and go down to the skate park, but what about giving them their jobs back? They need their job more than anything.”

Mr Andrews fired back, accusing the Treasurer of playing politics during the pandemic.

“It’s all about the politics with this bloke, isn’t it? That’s all he does. That’s all he does. He is not a leader, he is just a Liberal,” he said.

It is the second time in weeks tensions have boiled over between the pair, the last time on the eve of the federal budget.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief Paul Guerra said the government’s restrictions announcement had overlooked many businesses, specifically among the retail and hospitality sectors.

“They are desperate to get back to work,” he said.

“We cannot keep the state locked up. The contact tracing system is in place, businesses have COVIDSAFE plans, and if every Victorian commits to doing the right thing with masks, social distancing and testing, we can again enjoy a sense of COVID normality, like we have seen in other states.”

Tim Piper, Victorian head of employer association Ai Group, said there was growing frustration among thousands of struggling Victorian businesses. He said there appeared to be no long-term plan.

“The road map to recovery was always a maze that has now been turned into a long and winding road,” he said.

State Opposition Leader Michael O’brien called on the government to make public its latest public health advice.

“Hospitality retail are doing it so tough, and there’s no reason for them to be excluded,” he said.