News

| April 27, 2020

Government urged to allow common sense on restrictions

The Andrews Labor Government has been urged to use common sense and allow Victorian’s a little more freedom under the current COVID-19 restrictions.

The Nationals used the special sitting of Parliament last week to ask the Premier to change the interpretation of directives relating to land-based fishing, hunting, golf, horse-riding and related low-impact activities.

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy said there is a significant level of frustration in the community about some of the restrictions that just don’t pass the common-sense test.

“It seems ludicrous that someone can go for a walk around a lake or along a river but they can’t stop and throw a line in,” Ms Kealy said.

“I am being regularly contacted by people from right across Lowan who are lucky enough to live close to the water or other facilities and have the opportunity to fish, play golf or go horse-riding without needing to travel more than a few kilometres.

“They and frustrated and rightly feel that they should be able to do these things given the other activities that are allowed.”

Ms Kealy said she was not talking about large groups or travelling long distances which should definitely be restricted.

“It is a great thing that we are seeing the curve flattening right across the country,” she said.

“Everybody wants to keep safe. Everybody wants to flatten the curve. We are doing that.

“It just doesn’t make sense for Victoria to be so much more restricted on some of these issues than any other states.

“All my constituents are asking for is consistency, clarity and some common-sense.

“I think the Government has gone too far on some of these issues and needs to reconsider its rulings.”