Coronavirus Victoria: Daniel Andrews slams critic’s ‘low act’

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has pleaded with critics to “leave the dead members of my family out of it” after being targeted by a sick stunt.

Premier Daniel Andrews has hit back at a “low, low act” carried out by a critic.

Mr Andrews was asked by a reporter about the toll the “Give Dan the boot” campaign had taken on him personally, culminating with photos of boots taken out the front of his father’s funeral.

The Premier said the state was at its “best and strongest” when residents came together – and at its “worst and weakness” when “nastiness” reared its head.

“I saw that photo, the photo was sent to me by someone…I’m happy for people to make their points, provided they’re not doing anything to spread the coronavirus,” he began.

“But I’ll just say this – having different views to me, that’s fine. It’s a healthy part of our democratic society. But decency matters too.

“The last time I was in that shed, was when I carried my father’s coffin out of it, and I think that that is… I won’t use the words that my father would use to describe that sort of act. That’s just… Low. Low. And it has no place, no, no place.

“Have a different view to me, but leave my family out of it, and particularly the dead members of my family out of it. I don’t think that’s too much to ask. Shame, shame on him, shame.”

Members of the public have taken to social media to throw their support behind Mr Andrews following his powerful comments, with many lashing the perpetrators.

Mr Andrews’ father Bob died in 2016 at the age of 65 following a battle with cancer.

to make your “Give Daniel Andrews the Boot” point by placing boots in front of his late father’s old farm. C’mon, the last time Dan was there, was to carry out his father’s coffin. Can you imagine what kind of human being you are if you resort to stunts like that?

— Kimberley Al-Fayeed (@periperiwinkIe) September 15, 2020