Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP
Regions Still in Lockdown Despite No New Cases
Why do communities and businesses in country Victoria can’t move to the Last Step?
The Andrew Labor Government has refused to explain why communities and businesses in country Victoria can’t move to the Last Step, despite there being zero new cases in the regions for 14 days.
Health Minister Martin Foley was asked in State Parliament to provide the health advice on country restrictions including mandated mask wearing, even during solo activity, and why the regions are being prevented from moving to the last step.
Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh said moving to the last step would get more people back to work and revive regional economies with more opportunities to spend in town.
"According to the Andrews Labor Government’s roadmap to reopening, it’s safe to move to the last step when there’s been no new cases recorded for 14 days," Mr Walsh said.
"Regional Victorians have met that threshold, yet we’re prevented from taking the next step towards COVID normal because our future is still chained to Melbourne.
"We’re all prepared to do our part, but with no new cases for 14 days and Labor’s own former Health Minister saying the Government’s suffering a ‘paralysis of decision-making’ regional Victorians are right to question the evidence supporting the continued lockdown."
Mr Foley was also asked why regional Victorians can still be fined for not wearing a mask while out doing solo recreational activity, like walking the dog, playing golf or fishing.
Mr Walsh has written to the Government and the Chief Health Officer multiple times seeking the evidence supporting the enforced rule, but nearly seven weeks later there’s still been no response.
"Regional Victorians have done the heavy lifting after Daniel Andrews let the virus slip through the cracks of hotel quarantine in Melbourne," Mr Walsh said.
"More weeks of restrictions means more pain for regional businesses and communities – we deserve to know why we are being kept under lock and key.
"If the public health advice is supporting this lockdown, why won’t the Andrews Labor Government release it to give country people piece of mind that it’s in our best interests?"
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: support@gippsland.com
Latest News
ANZAC Day events across South Gippsland and other shire council updatesGippsland students urged to enter National Water Week poster contest by 6 September 2024
Have your say and help develop Trafalgar Structure Plan through online survey by 20 May 2024
Stay vigilant and report scams to IDCare on 1800595160 as over 500,000 Aussies lose $3B in 2022
Tim Bull visits Gallipoli and honours fallen locals such as Basil Hooper, Vern Brookes, Thomas Bell, and Thomas Haylock
Community feedback needed for East Gippsland Shire Council Draft 2024/25 Budget by 29 May 2024
Fresh food tax criticised by industry as lack of clarity on payment and collection will harm families and farmers
Russell Broadbent seeks answers to 20% increase in cardiac arrests by advocating investigation to include vaccine mandates
East Gippsland Shire Council highlights telecommunications infrastructure when advocating over thirty goals for community resilience and development
Russell Broadbent addresses nationwide Covid injustices-rights breaches, lockdowns, mandates and waste of $577B on vaccine and tests