Not credible Andrews knew nothing of quarantine decision

I have watched the soporific, dissembling, gesture-laden diatribes of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews daily since they commenced, difficult as that has been due to their consistently erratic timing. On Friday I watched in full his appearance at the hearing he established, clearly instigated as a means of deflecting questions from the press regarding the total incompetence of his government in managing the hotel quarantine project.

Unfortunately for him in terms of his credibility, the head of the inquiry publicly stated there were no legal restrictions on him discussing the matters concerned. Nevertheless, he continued to repeatedly sidestep the many questions asked, using the inquiry in progress as an excuse. He then gave evidence at the inquiry and, under oath, denied knowledge of the facts surrounding security arrangements for hotel quarantine.

I have commanded several ADF units and held senior management positions in a number of business and community organisations and can say that, given his position, I find it impossible to believe he was not aware of how and by whom the hotel quarantine security arrangements were made. Supposing he did not know from the outset, for him to suggest this now, given the time he has had to make inquiries of his ministers, their departments and his battalion of advisers to determine the facts, is nigh on laughable. Laughable but for the number of lives lost, in large part due to the collective failure of all concerned.

I hold the man and all of those involved in facilitating this tragedy in utter contempt.

Robin Page, Port Fairy, Vic

Consider that the Premier of Victoria has a reputation for micromanaging his ministers. Consider, too, that the COVID-19 matter was so important to him he effectively shut down parliament and set up a special cabinet to steer the crisis manned by just a few ministers. His suggestion that the decision to use security guards was probably not taken by anyone — but just evolved — is simply not credible. Clearly, even if a decision were not taken, the matter was discussed among ministers and others at several meetings, even with Trades Hall.

If he were genuinely not aware of the decision, he has been negligent in his duties and his judgment has been shown to be wanting. He must resign and take other complicit ministers with him.

Stephen Clarke, Kew, Vic

In response to “Sorry, I don’t know either” (26-27/9), yes, someone in Daniel Andrews’ government should have owned the decision to use private security guards, yet this is overshadowing the Victorian government’s success in bringing down COVID-19 numbers. Controlling the pandemic is bigger than the next election. This is the watershed moment of Andrews’ career and history will take a broader view of his role in it.

NSW uses private security guards in quarantine hotels; I know this because my husband was quarantined in one. The weak link is human selfishness and Andrews has curtailed this as much as anyone could.

Patricia Lee, East Kangaloon, NSW

Does Daniel Andrews really expect right-minded people to fall for this? He has denied knowledge and thrown his own people under a bus. Then he has come out claiming to be a white knight. Mind you, his ministers should be accountable. But Andrews is the boss and he did not need an inquiry to get to the bottom of this fiasco. All documents and correspon=-dence are at his disposal.

A NSW premier resigned over a bottle of wine. Andrews has overseen government incompetence and is still standing. He admitted the buck stopped with him and then had others pay the price.

Catherine Simpson, Gold Coast, Qld

Reporters at Daniel Andrews’ press conference failed to ask him why he didn’t instruct his ministers to examine all options for running a secure quarantine program and include all potential sources of assistance, including the police and ADF.

A capable leader should have been able to list such obvious options and instruct subordinates to explore the relative merits of each. No competent leader would fail to consider asking for help rather than waiting for an offer of help. Lawyers for the COVID-19 hotel quarantine inquiry should also have asked the Premier this question, if within the terms of reference for them to do so.

John Allsop, Mont Albert, Vic