Karl Stefanovic grills Josh Frydenberg on the government‘s changing approach to Victoria’s lockdown

The Today show host put the heat on Josh Frydenberg, questioning the Treasurer’s whiplash approach to locked-down Victoria.

Karl Stefanovic has put the heat on the Treasurer, saying Daniel Andrews “jammed” the federal government before it back-pedalled on its new lockdown financial support policy.

The federal government announced a series of financial support measures for Victoria on Thursday as the state plunged into its fifth lockdown.

The agreement came after Mr Andrews slammed the federal government for playing favourites over a massive financial support package announced during the NSW lockdown.

Today show host Karl Stefanovic on Friday questioned Treasurer Josh Frydenberg over what he framed as a backdown from the federal government.

“You couldn’t have been stronger in your vocals against Daniel Andrews and pretty much he has jammed you, hasn’t he?” he asked.

In light of Stefanovic’s intense questioning, Mr Frydenberg turned to his usual critiques of the Victorian Premier.

“This is the fifth lockdown that Victoria has experienced. It comes just over a month after their most recent lockdown,” he said

“I think the people of Victoria are doing it pretty tough, but the Morrison government is there to support them.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has been highly critical of Victorian Premier Dan Andrews throughout the Covid-19 pandemicPicture: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Matray

Mr Stefanovic pointed out the Victorian Premier’s success in calling out the federal government.

“It must really burn you Josh, after really giving it to them earlier this week. Now you’re actually going to have to give it to them,” Stefanovic said.

But Mr Frydenberg was quick to deflect the Today show host’s questioning.

The Treasurer turned the screws on Mr Andrews, saying support for Victoria’s businesses during its fifth Covid-19 lockdown would still be the Premier’s problem to handle.

“I expect that they will make announcements about business supports, but I will leave it to them for these first two weeks,” Mr Frydenberg said.

While income support is supposed to kick in after a state has been in lockdown for seven days, the federal government has agreed to offer the $375 and $600 payments for Victorians from Friday.

If Victorians lose between eight and 19 hours of work, they will receive $375 a week. If they lose 20 hours or more of work, they will get $600.

However, Victorian business will still be left in the lurch by the federal government until the lockdown enters its third week.

Daniel Andrews has accused the Treasurer of playing politics. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Penny Stephens

Until then, Mr Andrews will be left to handle the fallout on his own.

The last time Victoria went into lockdown, the Premier announced business support of approximately $250m for the first week and $200m for the second week.

State business support is yet to be announced for the most recent lockdown.

Mr Frydenberg has never been shy in voicing his distaste for Mr Andrews’ leadership.

During Victoria’s last lockdown, Mr Frydenberg accused the Premier of having a “callous indifference” to the loss of jobs in the state and the plight of small business.

“People are sick of his whingeing and his politicking of the crisis,’’ he said.

In response, Mr Andrews called out the Treasurer for “playing politics” in handling a serious global health crisis.

“He is not a leader, he is just a Liberal,” Mr Andrews said during Victoria's 112-day lockdown last year.

While the future of Victorian businesses still hangs in the balance, everyday Victorians can rest assured individual income support will be available from day one.