Treasurer feels the Vic heat on funding

KARL Stefanovic has put the heat on the Treasurer, saying Daniel Andrews “jammed” the federal government before it back-pedalled on its new lockdown financial support policy.

The federal government announced a series of financial support measures for Victoria on Thursday as the state plunged into its fifth lockdown.

The agreement came after Mr Andrews slammed the federal government for playing favourites over a massive financial support package announced during the NSW lockdown.

Today show host Karl Stefanovic on Friday questioned Treasurer Josh Frydenberg over what he framed as a backdown from the federal government.

“You couldn’t have been stronger in your vocals against Daniel Andrews and pretty much he has jammed you, hasn’t he?” he asked.

In light of Stefanovic’s intense questioning, Mr Frydenberg turned to his usual critiques of the Victorian Premier.

“This is the fifth lockdown that Victoria has experienced. It comes just over a month after their most recent lockdown,” he said

“I think the people of Victoria are doing it pretty tough, but the Morrison government is there to support them.”

Mr Stefanovic pointed out the Victorian Premier’s success in calling out the federal government.

“It must really burn you Josh, after really giving it to them earlier this week. Now you’re actually going to have to give it to them,” Stefanovic said.

But Mr Frydenberg was quick to deflect the Today show host’s questioning.

The Treasurer turned the screws on Mr Andrews, saying support for Victoria’s businesses during its fifth Covid-19 lockdown would still be the Premier’s problem to handle.