The 10 things Daniel Andrews must fix when he returns to work

The Premier is returning to work amid boiling anger over the MPs’ pay rise. These are the biggest issues he needs to sort out.

After 111 days away, Daniel Andrews returns to work on Monday.

A lot has happened since he was taken to hospital after falling on wet stairs in an accident that left him with broken ribs and a fractured T7 vertebra.

Most notably, Victoria was sent into a fourth lockdown, with devastating consequences for business, industry, the economy and families.

The Premier has been in constant communication with members of his team throughout his sick leave.

But he will still have his work cut out for him when he hits the ground running on Monday.

Here’s the top 10 things he’ll need to take care of from day one back in the top job.

Mr Andrews has been off for 111 days recovering from a back injury.

1. MAP A NEW COVID PLAN

Until now, the plan has been fairly consistent.

Cases emerge, Victorians go into lockdown, we hide away until the virus is all but snuffed out, and then are slowly allowed to return to a kind of normal.

But the last lockdown showed that Victorians are tired of that approach.

The social licence for restrictions is fast disappearing. There must be another way.

2. GET VICTORIANS VACCINATED

The best way to avoid further lockdowns and restrictions is by getting Victorians vaccinated.

Singapore this week announced its “new normal” would work under the assumption that Covid-19 would never go away but could be controlled through mass vaccinations.

It seems a sensible approach. While the federal government is responsible for the purchase and supply of vaccines, it’s up to the states to distribute it.

We are already miles ahead of any other state and territory in the race to vaccinate.

But much of that happened while Victoria was in lockdown, providing an impetus for jabs. Without daily case numbers and restrictive prohibitions on our daily lives, there are fears the rush for vaccines may drop.

3. FIX THE HEALTH MESS

Many sectors have been hit hard by Covid-19, but among the worst is Victoria’s health system. Elective surgery wait-times are at a record high, and there are major backlogs for dental and specialist care.

People are waiting longer in emergency departments, and the ambulance system is in crisis. Even the state’s emergency call centre is struggling to cope.

Without urgent attention, delays and problem plagued systems will only worsen.

4. GET SCHOOL KIDS BACK ON TRACK

For many Victorian kids, a year of uncertainty and lockdowns has been no problem. For tens of thousands of others, it has been a wasted 18 months.

This has already been acknowledged by the state government, with the rollout of 4000 new tutors to help bring struggling students back up to speed.

But it’s not just a year of learning that has been lost. Many students have been left traumatised and battling mental health issues, putting future learning in doubt.

The learning decline from 2020, compounded with a poor start to 2021, must be addressed.

The Premier getting a home haircut before his return to work.

Mr Andrews also recently received his Covid jab.

5. BRING BACK INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

On the subject of schools, bringing back international students is an issue that can be ignored, but shouldn’t.

Proposals to start bringing them back, by both the state government and the tertiary sector, have been rejected.
A solution needs to be found.

Universities are haemorrhaging money without overseas students.

It means job losses and a drop in quality, and has flow-on economic effects from the lack of broader student spending.

Without a fix, we could lose the international cohort for good to the UK, US or Canada, who have all put up their hand to boost their intakes.

6. REJUVENATE THE CBD

Melbourne is a ghost of its former self. Businesses have closed, sport and the arts are running limited services, and offices, until now, have been almost empty.

People used to working from home are resisting a return to work, and tourists are avoiding public transport.

Generous tax concessions for inner-city apartments were announced in the state budget to lure people back.

But it’s going to take more to bring Melbourne back to life.

7. FIX THE INJECTION ROOM MESS

One thing that won’t help is the plan to put the city’s second supervised injecting room opposite Flinders Street Station.

Putting the room in the heart of the city, outside one of our most iconic landmarks, makes no sense. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton also says there’s a risk the injecting room would increase crime in the surrounding area.

The government has splashed $40.3m on the old Yooralla building opposite the station, but maintains multiple sites are under consideration. It might be well worth giving those a second inspection.

Premier Daniel Andrews suffered injuries in a severe fall earlier this year. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Daniel Pockett

8. RATIFY A PARLIAMENTARY CODE OF CONDUCT

Concerns have worsened over a toxic culture of sexual harassment inside the state’s parliament.

While one MP stands publicly accused of inappropriate behaviour inside Parliament House, others say the problem is rife. They also say MPs who fall victim to other MPs have little recourse.

A plan to introduce a new independent commissioner to handle complaints of bullying and sexual harassment should be high on a list of priorities.

All the work to get the system in place has been done, it now just needs government support.

9. WIN BACK THE PARTY FAITHFUL

New polling has found voters in Labor’s western suburbs heartland are jumping ship amid ongoing frustrations.

There’s an argument that it’s not all Covid related, with industries and a heavily casualised workforce in the west hit harder than some by ongoing restrictions.

Rather, there is growing frustration among the west that they are too often overlooked as the government pumps spending on infrastructure and major projects in other areas.

10. CONSIDER HIS FUTURE

No doubt the Premier has had lots of time to consider what’s next. It’s obvious that the top job is his as long as he wants it.

There was much chatter pre-Covid that he was planning to step down. One wonders if after three months away and time with his family, that idea has been reignited.

AUSTRALIA’S HIGHEST-PAID PREMIER

Mr Andrews’ return to work comes as he and fellow MPs face widespread criticism over their latest pay rise, which was announced on Friday.

Under the new deal, Mr Andrews would collect an extra $11,036 next financial year.

He is now the highest-paid premier in the country, earning $452,475 a year in salary and allowances.

This is about $25,000 more than Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and almost $45,000 more than NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Business owners hit out at the pay rise, saying it is a “real slap in the face” after a horror year.

Silvia Kramska, owner of Rise Nation gym in South Yarra, said it is “completely unfair” that Victorian MPs are getting pay increases while small businesses struggle to survive.

Ms Kramska said that a pay rise of $5,000 to $10,000 for Victorian MPs “might not be a lot for them, but would make a big difference for businesses about to go under.”

Silvia Kramska from Rise Nation gym was critical of the MP pay deal. Picture: Josie Hayden

“So many businesses are shutting down because they can’t afford to pay rent – any extra money could mean that they survive,” she said.

Ms Kramska said that the finding out about the pay increases “really adds to everything” small business owners have experienced during the pandemic.

Since the pandemic began, Ms Kramska’s business has dropped in revenue by more than 40 per cent.

“We’re a relatively new business trying to find our feet,” she said.

“We had to close for nine months. During that time there was no income and not enough financial support.”

Ms Kramska said that the subsidy available “didn’t even cover a third of the rent, let alone power or electricity.”

“I had to start letting staff go to save even the littlest bit of money. It’s awful … I don’t want to have to be doing that.”

Ms Kramska said she wished the state government “prioritised local businesses.”

Acting Premier James Merlino and his fellow MPs will receive a payrise. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“When I walk down Chapel Street on my way to work I can see that every second shop is closed,” she said.

“We’re over the lack of support.”

And Johnny Sandish, owner of Xpressomondo on Degraves Street said the MPs pay increases were “a real slap in the face.”

“I was shocked when I found out about the pay rise,” he told the Sunday Herald Sun.

“I was honestly disturbed – especially when so many small businesses are suffering and losing money, jobs and business.

“It’s not fair. It just seems like they can do whatever they want.”

Small Business Australia executive director Bill Lang said all MPs should refuse the pay rise.

“It is a disgrace that the government has not frozen the wages of politicians and public servants in this state,” he said.

READERS’ COMMENTS

Herald Sun readers reacted in disbelief at plans to reward state MPs substantial pay rises after four brutal Covid lockdowns and untold damage to the Victorian economy.

A resounding backlash against the government has swamped social media. Readers have called on MPs to forfeit the pay rise or take a pay cut like some Covid-weary Victorians have done in the past 15 months.

Melissa Coulter posted on Facebook: “Read the room pollies, this is the last thing you should be getting whether anyone believes you have done a good or bad job. It’s just not the time.”

Rochelle Leanne Marks posted on Facebook: “Disgusting, this state’s government is a joke and out of touch with the community. Should be taking a PAY CUT!!!!”

Scott Gamble said: “I was thinking they should take a 50% pay cut along with councils across the state while doing more for less during these times, that would help the states economy regain its footing quicker.”

Liz Ventevogel posted: “The sheer arrogance of this government is breathtaking. So many thousands of Victorians doing it hard but the pollies feel entitled to more money. Shame on you all.”

Robyn Swan posted: “If they get pay rises … well so should all the essential workers as we worked throughout last year at our workplaces putting ourselves last.”

John Matthews said: “Should any pollies be getting a pay increase? No way.”

Marilyn Grey said: “How about taking a pay cut like the NZ politicians did in recognition of tough times?”

Clare Harrison posted on Facebook: “No way should they [get] a pay rise but a pay cut and they should be ashamed of themselves.”

Ben Dang said: “No way. They earn enough already. If they had any decency they would forfeit a pay rise as the State is in debt after all the lockdowns and people losing jobs. Not a good look to give yourselves a pay rise while others are struggling.”

Roman Kreychman said: “So they get a pay rise, but many people have lost homes businesses and [lives] because of these people!! Every lockdown has been because of there failures but they want pay rise for the privilege of stuffing Victoria!”

Elissa Majkovica posted on Facebook: “Why the hell should they get a pay rise when so many people have lost incomes, their businesses. Pay rises only come if you are performing well in your role, none of them have been, they should be taking a pay cut instead.”

Originally published as The 10 things Daniel Andrews must fix when he returns to work