Reports today that a second mass CBD protest is planned over the coming weekend again highlights the unacceptable lack of action by Daniel Andrews on these clear threats to community safety.
Last Saturday, over 10,000 Victorians breached COVID-19 restrictions by attending a rally in the CBD and with at least one protester having since tested positive COVID-19, the threat these gatherings pose to community safety couldn’t be clearer.
Furthermore, despite the clear breach of COVID-19 restrictions by organisers and participants of this event, not one fine has been issued to those involved as experts state this illegal mass gathering has pushed back timelines for easing restrictions.
Daniel Andrews’ failure to stop these events or ensure fines are issued to participants is in clear contrast to actions taken in NSW and has left Victorians questioning if there is one set of rules for activists and another set for ordinary Victorians.
Daniel Andrews has shown a complete lack of leadership and action by allowing these gatherings to occur and must now put the health and safety of Victorians first and act to shutdown these illegal events.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Police and Community Safety, David Southwick:
“Whilst Victorian households and business have followed the rules at significant personal cost and Daniel Andrews’ failure to act makes a mockery of those doing the right thing.
“With protesters and organisers yet to be fined, Victorians are rightly wondering why we have one set of rules for activists and another set for ordinary Victorians.
“Victorians are asking why they’re asked to follow these strict rules or pay a fine when Daniel Andrews continues to give a free pass to thousands of protesters?”
