Coronavirus Australia: Premier’s raw message about being a leader during this time

Dan Andrews has opened up and given a raw message about the difficulty of leading Victoria during this unprecedented time.

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has spoken of the unprecedented decisions he has made, and urged Victorians to unite in the fight against COVID.

“I’ve had the job of leading this state for almost six years – more than 2000 days. And today is by far the hardest day – and the hardest decision,” he said.

“But it is the decision I’ve made to keep our state safe.”

On Sunday Mr Andrews announced Victoria would enter a stage four lockdown, which includes a curfew between 8pm and 5am. At the same time, he declared Victoria in a state of disaster as well as a state of emergency, which gives police more powers.

“There is no alternative. I know these are difficult decisions,” he said.

“This is a very difficult day.”

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Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews declared Sunday the hardest day as he announced tough new restrictions. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

During the press conference to announce the tougher lockdown, Mr Andrews spoke of the difficulty of leading Victoria through its worst crisis.

“The whole way through this, I promised to be upfront. So I’ll say this now. This will be imperfect. And for a little while, there’ll be more questions than answers,” he said.

“It’s why I’m asking something else of Victorians – please be calm, please be kind, please be patient.”

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Dan Andrews has received a lot of criticism in recent weeks. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

In the same press announcement, Mr Andrews confirmed 671 new cases of COVID-19 and seven deaths overnight.

“I understand people will feel scared and sad and worried. But we are Victorians – and we will get through this as Victorians. With grit, with guts and together.

“All the temporary sacrifices we make now – all the time missed with mates, those delayed visits to mum – those sacrifices will help keep our mates and our mums and our fellow Victorians safe.
“We can – we will – get through this.

“Apart. But together.”