Coronavirus: Daniel Andrews rebuffs question about Scott Morrison attending NRL game

Some social media users have criticised Scott Morrison for going to the footy yesterday, but Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews refused to bite.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has refused to criticise the Prime Minister for attending an NRL match amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Scott Morrison was photographed in the stands at yesterday’s game between his beloved Cronulla Sharks and the Penrith Panthers.

On Friday, the Prime Minister announced he would try to take a short break with his family, but would remain in charge.

“As you know, it is the school holidays, and Jenny and the girls will be taking some time on the outskirts of Sydney,” he told reporters.

“Given the changing critical situation we have in Victoria, I will not be joining (the family) for that full time.

“We have technology where I can be with them and continue to take briefings, calls and meetings.

“As a dad, I will take some time if I can get it during that period ... but at the same time I can assure you, we will remain absolutely focused on the things we need to focus on.”

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Scott Morrison attended an NRL match yesterday between the Penrith Panthers and the Cronulla Sharks. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The PM with a beer. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The beer was probably more enjoyable than the Sharks' heavy defeat. Picture: Phil Hillyard

At today’s coronavirus media briefing, where he reported 273 new cases of the virus, Mr Andrews brushed off two questions about Mr Morrison’s decisions to take time off, and to attend the football.

The Premier said he had “better things to worry about”.

“What do you make of the Prime Minister‘s decision to take some time off to spend time with his own children?” a reporter asked.

“I was asked similar questions during the summer. I wouldn’t begrudge anyone taking time off with their family. I don’t think that’s an unreasonable thing,” Mr Andrews said, alluding to Mr Morrison’s trip to Hawaii during the bushfire crisis.

“And before you give me the footy question, I’ve got better things to worry about than who went to the footy in New South Wales.”

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Premier Dan Andrews speaks to media at a press conference in Melbourne. Picture: Daniel Pockett/NCA NewsWire

“Do you have anything to say about the Prime Minister?” another journalist pressed towards the end of the press conference.

“I’m focused on what I need to be focused on, and I have answered the question,” Mr Andrews responded.

“Just as back during the summer, I am not going to chip a bloke for spending some time with his family.

“As for who goes to the footy in other states, I don’t have anything to say about that. Nothing is gained by me offering gratuitous opinions on that.”

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Scott Morrison at the footy.

Mr Morrison drew heavy criticism over his decision to jet off to Hawaii during the bushfires. He has, however, been working tirelessly for months to address the pandemic.

Some personalities on social media, including Labor MP Josh Burns, have nevertheless criticised his decision to take a break now.

Entire industries have shut and have not reopened. Melbourne is trying to do the right thing and close down again. People have died. Does he deserve a holiday? Sure. It’s about when though. Now is surely not the time

— David Campbell OAM (@DavidCampbell73) July 11, 2020

He also went to the football. Clearly didn't want to spend THAT much time with his daughters...meanwhile in Melbourne...the man who should've been Prime Minister.....👇👇👇👇#auspol #MSM pic.twitter.com/3o176VLGCo

— 💧Denise Allen 🐨🐨🐝Taungurung country 💜 (@denniallen) July 12, 2020

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison #auspol

Summer Global
Bushfires Pandemic
2020 2020 pic.twitter.com/WoXNJjAQ53

— Denise Shrivell - Anti-Fascist (@deniseshrivell) July 11, 2020

Really awesome to watch more footage of the prime minister sucking down a beer while he grips and grins at a Sharks game, especially when Victoria is in lockdown and this goon can’t even pretend to care. #auspol https://t.co/A8tY7f96vC

— Anti-Fascist, Van Badham (@vanbadham) July 11, 2020

Yesterday 49 Victorians were admitted to hospital, 8 healthcare workers at the Alfred tested positive and the PM sank beers at the rugby.

Same as Trump playing golf.#auspol #insiders

— Josh Burns (@joshburnsmp) July 11, 2020

Others have defended the Prime Minister.

“Global Pandemic that lasts for months. Opens up the restrictions and supports the sporting industry. What do you want him to do?” one person wrote.