Guy pushes for rule change after being photographed without his mask

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy says he will pay a $100 fine if it’s found he broke Victoria’s indoor mask mandate, but says the rules are confusing and should be changed.

Police are assessing the photos that Liberal and Nationals MPs posted on social media showing football legend Kevin Sheedy delivering a motivational speech to the Coalition party room at the Victorian Parliament on Tuesday. Mr Guy, Liberal upper house leader David Davis and Nationals leader Peter Walsh were among those pictured.

Kevin Sheedy and Matthew Guy in one of the photos posted on Facebook.

Speaking outside Parliament on Wednesday morning, Mr Guy argued the present mask rules were too confusing to understand and too damaging to businesses in the city. He said it should no longer be a requirement that masks are worn in low-risk indoor settings.

“One of the things that I believe is holding us back in business is these mask rules are mandated in areas that frankly they shouldn’t be. Masks in high-risk settings, I think, are important, masks in business settings are not,” Mr Guy said.

Last week, a notice was circulated to all MPs reminding them it was a requirement to wear masks indoors at Parliament.

“The following settings remain throughout the precinct: masks in all indoor settings (unless working alone in an enclosed space),” the notice said.

A social media photo of Kevin Sheedy with Nationals MP Melina Bath and Liberal David Davis.

Mr Guy said the opposition would co-operate if contacted by police, and he would pay if fined. He said some people had coffees in the room, noting it was not essential to wear a mask while drinking or eating under the present rules.

“Whatever comes of the issues yesterday, I’m quite comfortable. Whatever comes, comes ... But I’ll say this again, these mask rules are confusing.

“If we’ve made a mistake and if I’ve made a mistake, of course we’ll do the right thing.”

In October last year, Premier Daniel Andrews was slapped with two fines for failing to wear a mask in public. Mr Andrews apologised for not wearing a mask twice while walking through the outdoor car park at Parliament while masks were mandated everywhere in public.

When the Premier’s indiscretion was highlighted, Mr Guy called for him to face “the full force of the law”.

“Under the Chief Health Officer’s rules, that is an offence,” he said.

“I hope the Premier, like every other Victorian who is caught without a mask, faces the full force of the law.

“If he’s walked some distance, and he’s done it in front of the media, it’s probably a bit silly, but I will leave it to the police to determine as to whether or not he’s going to get a fine.”

Asked about the opposition MPs pictured without a mask, Mr Andrews said the photos were a matter for Victoria Police.

“The rules are there to keep people safe. If you don’t follow the rules, then you get a fine, then you pay the fine. I say that with some authority,” Mr Andrews said.

“Keeping people safe is not confusing ... I know no one enjoys wearing a mask, but the rules are there, and they should be followed.

The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.