Coronavirus Australia: ‘Some states seek conflict’: Greg Hunt hits back at Daniel Andrews

Greg Hunt denies Daniel Andrews’ claims his government wasn’t advised before the PM announced a vaccine boost for the state.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has denied not advising the Victorian government before announcing more than 400,000 additional Pfizer and Moderna doses would be pumped into the state.

Speaking on Melbourne’s 3AW on Monday, Mr Hunt said the Victorian government had been informed prior to Sunday’s announcement.

“Here is what I am saying – it’s very much one-way traffic,” he said.

“We are always working with all of the states and from time to time, as you know, some of them will seek a conflict.”

On Sunday, Mr Andrews reacted to the news with surprise when asked by a reporter at a press conference about the extra 400,000 extra doses. Asked if he had been given a “heads up: by the federal government, Mr Andrews replied: “No,” adding: “Maybe while I’ve been talking to you there’s a missed call on my phone.”

“It’s hard to know what to expect, isn’t it?” he said. “It’s how our national government works these days.”

Did Dan just do a mic drop??

(after he called out the Feds for short-changing Victoria, it seems they found more Pfizer in the bottom drawer)#auspol#springst#covid19vicpic.twitter.com/01iVEvUi3Z

— Squizz (@SquizzSTK) September 12, 2021

He went on to describe the extra doses as fantastic news”.

“I don’t know, let’s not argue about who said what to whom. Let’s get jabs into arms, that’s what I’ve been focused on. Always have been.”

On Monday, Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said “no one was seeking conflict” and said the state government had a good working relationship with the commonwealth.

“What we wanted to make sure is that transparency is there in what is provided to who and how,” he said.

“That’s what I requested in my letter and Minister Hunt wrote back this morning setting out his position on that.”

Mr Foley said he had a constructive conversation with Mr Hunt before writing a letter to him on Saturday afternoon and said he had received a response on Sunday.

But Mr Foley said there was no confirmation the state would receive additional vaccines before the announcement was made by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

“I understand the fascination you all have with it but it’s pretty clear,” he said.

“I rang, I asked for more in the priority areas that we need them. Our officials did the work.

“I wrote and asked. The Prime Minister then made the public announcement, which was the first confirmation that the vaccines were being provided.”