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Health | August 06, 2021

Labor’s statewide lockdowns are crushing our communities

Lowan residents are again paying the price for the Andrews Labor Government’s lack of a plan to respond to COVID outbreaks, being forced into a sixth lockdown despite no cases in the electorate for almost a year.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said Daniel Andrews’ decision to lock down the state for another seven days despite an outbreak being confined to parts of Melbourne was unjustified and hypocritical, and was completely disproportionate to the damage it would cause.

Mr Andrews last week called for NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to enact a ring of steel approach to the Sydney outbreak, but refuses to follow the same advice and provide a proportionate, localised response for Victoria.

“Victorians want a plan to get out of this mess, because yo-yoing in and out of lockdown is not a plan. Lockdowns have significant negative consequences, and Labor is guilty of completely ignoring these,” Ms Kealy said.

“Our children are missing yet another week of school, on top of the months they have already missed since March last year. Thousands of people are struggling with their mental health, repeatedly being cut off from loved ones and support networks and living in a constant state of uncertainty. Businesses are unable to open their doors, and face another week of financial burden. Workers are losing their livelihoods.

“The government cannot underestimate the pain these lockdowns are causing Victorians.

“To make matters worse, we have today found out that the government’s basis for the statewide lockdown – a reported second positive wastewater sample detected in Wangaratta – has been proven incorrect.

“We all make mistakes, but to refuse to apologise or issue a correction is completely disrespectful.

“Labor must release the health advice that explains why regional Victoria is still in lockdown now that the reason given to justify it doesn’t exist.

“Statewide lockdowns should only ever be a last resort – not a first response – and Daniel Andrews’ inability to see this is causing immense unnecessary harm to our communities.”