“At some point, you have to move forward and put your public health systems to work in a bid to reclaim the jobs that have been lost, and rescue the livelihoods and peace of mind of so many Victorians who have been affected by the inability to contain the outbreak that led to the second Victorian wave,” a joint statement from the ministers said.
“Victoria’s public health systems are either up to the task of dealing with future outbreaks or they are not.
“The decision to keep businesses closed suggests that there is still not sufficient confidence within the Government that their systems can support reopening.”
While Victoria only recorded seven new COVID-19 cases today, Mr Andrews said the state would not be easing its harsh restrictions before the results of at least 1000 outstanding tests from possible outbreaks are seen by authorities.
“We will get those today, probably the balance of them tomorrow, and there will be additional testing conducted throughout the day,” Mr Andrews said in his daily media conference today.
“This is not anything other than a cautious pause, to wait to get that important information, to get the results of those tests just to rule out whether there are, whether there is more virus there than we think.
“This is not a setback. It is simply waiting and being led by the data, being led by the science.”
The federal ministers criticised that decision in their statement, saying Victorians had done everything necessary to meet the requirements put in place by the state’s public health authorities in order for restrictions to ease.
“While the Commonwealth Government welcomes Victoria’s commitment to the national framework agreed at National Cabinet to have Australia open by Christmas, for many Victorian businesses and their workers today’s announcement will mean they will simply not be able to make it,” the statement said.
“Borders and closures are not indicators of public health success. They are the opposite.
“Victoria’s infection rate is now below the Victorian Government’s own target of a 14 day rolling average of fewer than five cases per day to further reduce restrictions.
“We strongly encourage the Victorian Government to rapidly take the next steps to implement the National Framework and mirror the NSW COVID Safe restrictions for the sake of health, mental health and halting the loss of more than 1000 jobs per day.”
The news comes as Melbourne nears four months of grueling stage four lockdown.
The initial date for the city to move into the next phase of reopening was November 1.
However, after a week of low transmission numbers, the government said it would push ahead early.
Mr Daniels’ decision today is expected to receive significant backlash following violent anti-lockdown protests on Friday.
Officers arrested 16 people and issued 96 penalty notices as hundreds took part in an ugly display in the state’s capital.
