Anne Webster (Mallee, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This morning the Premier of Victoria announced that regional Victoria will be released from lockdown at 11.59 pm this evening. Over the weekend, I wrote to Premier Andrews urging that he review his decision to lock down regional Victoria, due to a lack of evidence of any cases, and, instead, implement a ring of steel around Melbourne. Premier Andrews has publicly suggested that the New South Wales Premier put a ring of steel around Sydney. All I ask is that he follow his own advice and restrict movement between Melbourne and the regions.

Since the beginning of this pandemic, I have argued that a targeted, measured and proportionate approach is needed to deal with this virus. This will be crucial to our ability to remain open in regional Victoria as we fight COVID-19. Localised restrictions are needed to ensure our survival, not only from the virus but also from the broader economic and social impact of continual lockdowns. Regional Victoria, where more than 1.6 million people live and work to provide food and fibre to the world, has been shackled and gutted by these repeated restrictions. Regional townships such as Mildura and Horsham have shown they are willing to do their part and have done so effectively when COVID cases have occurred. There has been no community spread from these events. This has been a gold standard response, and I commend the people of Mallee.