Mixed Messages, Anomalies, Inconsistencies and Back Flips
Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur has called on the state government to implement more consistent COVID-19 restrictions with less confusing public messaging.
In particular, many country Victorians are frustrated with restrictions on recreational activities that naturally comply with safe social distancing measures, while higher-risk exercise in metropolitan areas are permitted.
Quotes attributable to Bev McArthur MP:
Riding your horse on a bush track – that’s not okay. If you get off the horse and walk beside it – that might be okay. If the horse is a dog – that’s definitely okay!
If you want to buy ammunition in the lead up to the hunting season – that’s not okay because of ‘pressures around family violence’. If you want to buy booze – that’s fine, even though at least 44.2% of family violence incidents in which police are called, involve alcohol.
If you walk in a state forest as part of your routine exercise – that’s acceptable. But if you’re carrying a metal detector – that’s not allowed.
Kids can hunt for Easter eggs in the local suburban park, but adults can’t hunt for game in state parks.
Teenagers can go skating in the street, but not in skate parks.
You can go buy fish at the market – but you can’t catch your own.
Pre-school children can go to kindergarten because they require close supervision for their learning, but six year olds apparently don’t, so they can’t go to school if you work from home.
A 17 year old can sit in front of the TV with mum, but not behind the steering wheel to practice their driving skills.
You can go to a brewery, winery, distillery, bottle shop or bar to buy takeaway booze – but you can’t travel unless it’s essential.
You can now go to the local beach for a surf (directive changed within hours of initial release) - but just don't don't go elsewhere looking for good waves. Don't share wax, sunscreen, transport or a water bottle and don’t come by boat.
If you can manage to get to a national park that’s open without being fined for travelling outside your local area - the built shelter, table, rotunda, viewing platform and lavatory will be off-limits.
Footy in the local park is on Dan's approved sports list - but golf will 'steepen the curve'.
Last week you couldn't see your partner, but this week you can.
If you're looking for somewhere to gather with your mates, perhaps take up an ice addiction. Dan is allowing you to congregate in Labor's ice injecting room in Richmond, with extended hours of operation and safe distancing protocols hardly enforced.
For the most part, Victorians have been incredibly compliant and are trying hard to do ‘the right thing’, but seriously, the mixed messaging, back flips, inconsistencies and anomalies are wearing thin. The government will need to be very careful or there will come a time where people will lose patience and there won’t be enough police to either interpret the messages, (mixed as they often are) or issue infringements.
9 April 2020