Copy-Pasted Arrogance
The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to snub good governance, parliamentary processes and respect for democratic protocols.
Nine months after being asked a Constituency Question by the Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur, it has finally responded with an irrelevant, out-of-date, copy-pasted reply.
Mrs McArthur said it is a case of incompetence and sheer arrogance.
“This is an extraordinary revelation of this Government’s attitude to the Victorian people.
“It thinks it can ignore a question - asked on the public’s behalf – and answer with whatever, whenever and however it likes,” Mrs McArthur said.
“A Government that cares about process and respect would not behave this way.”
On June 3rd 2020, at a time when there were no active coronavirus cases in Western Victoria, Mrs McArthur asked then Health Minister Jenny Mikakos:
“…has the government considered relaxing restrictions by rural local government area, and within a local government area, earlier than the rest of the state so our country businesses can be saved and we can all get on with living?”
The response, from now Health Minister Martin Foley arrived earlier this week and included:
“ANSWER:
I am advised that –
COVIDSafe settings are currently in place across Victoria. These restrictions are designed to balance getting Victorians back to doing the things they love while also putting in place measures to protect all that Victorians have worked so hard for.
Businesses in Victoria are able to operate subject to COVIDsafe principles including:
• ensure physical distancing (1.5 metres)
• wear a face mask
• practise good hygiene
• keep good records and act quickly if staff become unwell
• avoid interactions in close spaces
• create workforce bubbles
• meet required density limits
• have a COVIDSafe plan for onsite operations
Mrs McArthur said it is an appalling response.
“It bears no relevance to the question asked.
“Yet it says plenty about how Labor really cares about regional Victoria, the economic maelstrom it has created and the abuse of its Emergency powers.”
19 March 2021