PM concerned about Victoria’s state of emergency extension

Scott Morrison has expressed his concerns over the phone to Daniel Andrews after he announced plans to extend Victoria’s state of emergency.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has raised concerns about Victoria’s state of emergency being extended for a further 12 months.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Monday announced his government would seek to change laws to give the chief health officer special powers to make restrictions for another year.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Morrison revealed he had raised concerns about the extension.

“I did that directly, I know others have, I know other Labor figures have, and I think it’s important to dispel any uncertainty and get clarity around that issue,” he said.

“I think people were concerned that the lockdowns would extend for another 12 months, and we received many calls through offices right across Victorian, including in my offices.

“I don’t think that’s what the Premier is suggesting at all but in these times we’ve got to be very careful about the announcements that are made.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he and Daniel Andrews are working together to deal with the consequences of what has occurred in Victoria. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

Mr Morrison also took a swipe at Opposition leader Anthony Albanese, accusing him of having a “blind spot” to the coronavirus situation in Victoria.

“We can’t ignore the fact of what’s happened in Victoria and I don’t believe the Victorian Premier is ignoring it,” he said.

“Where there are issues that need to be raised, I of course raise them with him, and I’ve done so consistently and that’s done in the spirit of the, the partnership.

“I’m not seeking to get into any blame game here.”

The Opposition has been ramping up pressure on the Federal Government over its handling of the aged care crisis in Victoria, prompting reports of the relationship between Mr Morrison and Mr Andrews souring.

Mr Morrison also commended the British Government’s appointment of former prime minister Tony Abbott as president of Britain’s Board of Trade.

“I think that’s a good hire,” Mr Morrison said.

Mr Morrison visited a data centre in Canberra on Wednesday morning, flanked by Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price.

He announced on Wednesday the government was bringing forward $1 billion of its defence spending to keep businesses and employees in work.

“That will keep people in jobs, 4000 jobs, and a billion dollars of brought-forward expenditure,” he said.

The move is expected to increase more reservists will also be given more hours.

A $300 million national estate works program will also focus on regional areas including Jervis Bay & Eden, RAAF Bases East Sale, Pearce, Wagga and Amberley, the Albury Wodonga Military Area and Blamey Barracks.

Projects that will develop defence capability, target key manufacturing, construction and hi-tech sectors will also be prioritised.

Workers at Datapod in Canberra speak with Mr Morrison and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds about their work.Picture: NCA Newswire / Gary Ramage

The government has also announced Tasmanian workers will now eligible for a $1500 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, if they cannot work because they need to self-isolate or quarantine.

The lump sum payment will be backdated to August 22. Victoria is the only state other state to receive the payment.

Tasmania’s last active case was reported on August 13, prompting clarity around the eligibility of states to receive the payment.

Mr Morrison announced the disaster payment on August 3 for eligible Victorians.

When asked if he would make the payment available to states not in a crisis like Victoria, he said: “No, this is a disaster payment. So if another state were to be in a position and God forbid they were that there was a disaster of the scale that we‘re seeing in Victoria, then a disaster payment of this nature, of Pandemic leave, would be entered into”.

However a few days later on August 5, Mr Morrison said: “If other states or territories want to enter into a similar arrangement, then I will be making an offer to those states and territories if they wish to do that.”

During an interview on August 7, Mr Morrison said: “I’ve written to all the states and territories making that offer, and none have indicated that they’d like to take that up. And the Commonwealth will support the decisions of the Fair Work Commission, as they’ve made those orders.”