Reports today that a second Black Lives Matter protester has tested positive for COVID-19 again highlights the community safety consequences of Daniel Andrews’ failure to stop illegal mass gatherings from occurring.
On Saturday 6th of June, over 10,000 Victorians breached COVID-19 restrictions by attending a rally in the CBD – despite Victoria remaining in a State of Emergency and current Chief Health Officer directions restricting Victorians to outdoor gatherings of no more than 20 people.
Despite the clear breach of COVID-19 restrictions and the threat this event posed to community health and safety, only three fines have been issued to organisers of this event by Victoria Police to date.
Prior to these protests occurring, the Victorian Liberal Nationals warned of the risk to public health and safety and urged Daniel Andrews to use his State of Emergency powers to have these protests postponed.
Daniel Andrews’ failure to stop mass gatherings 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.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Police and Community Safety, David Southwick:
“This second positive test highlights the dangers of mass gatherings during this period and the consequences of Daniel Andrews’ failure to act.
“No one has the right to risk the health and safety of others and Daniel Andrews must step up and ensure no further incidents like these occur.
“Whilst Victorian households and businesses have followed the rules at significant personal cost and Daniel Andrews’ failure to act makes a mockery of those doing the right thing.”