Daniel Andrews’ shock move reveals a captain desperate to regain control
The shock announcement that residents of nine public housing towers will be trapped in their homes for five days as police patrol outside is a desperate attempt by Daniel Andrews to control the coronavirus crisis and put his government back on track, writes Matt Johnston.
Opinion
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The “hard lockdown” of public housing estates announced by Premier Daniel Andrews was a stunning development.
Armed police will rove corridors and personal liberties will be removed as residents are trapped in their homes for five days.
As the Premier says, these are unprecedented actions for unprecedented times. He will be hoping the decision to ring-fence estates will help contain the coronavirus and put the state — and his government — back on track and in control.
Case numbers are rocketing up, with 108 infections revealed on Saturday.
Mr Andrews said the aim of the radical lockdown of 3000 vulnerable people, with food and medical support to be delivered to them, was to protect them and stabilise the situation.
Recently, things have started to slip and control has wavered, leaving many Victorians confused and even angry.
The last thing a government wants as it tries to lead the way through a pandemic and keep the public safe is for people to start wondering if those in charge know what is best for them.
It needs Victorians to listen to messages and follow advice. In turn, people must take responsibility for their actions and help keep others safe.
The Premier reminded us on Saturday he is accountable for overall success in tackling the coronavirus.
“After all, I am the captain of the team,” he said.
As captain, he won’t want any more COVID-19 bungles.
More importantly, neither will Victorians desperately wanting some semblance of normality to return to their lives.