Coronavirus: Jeff Kennett slams ‘lack of Liberal leadership’ in Victoria

Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says he is disappointed by ‘lack of leadership’ shown by the state opposition, amid a push for stronger scrutiny of the Andrews government.

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett says he is disappointed by the “lack of leadership” shown by the state opposition, amid a push from Victorian Liberals for stronger scrutiny of the Andrews government.

Mr Kennett said it was a difficult time to be in opposition given the public and the media “look to the government of the day knowing that the opposition is not in a position to affect anything”.

“But that said I have been disappointed at what I would say (is) the lack of leadership being shown by the opposition,” Mr Kennett told The Australian.

The Australian revealed on Monday that Victorian Liberal Party president Robert Clark has backed the state opposition’s “constructive” approach during the COVID-19 crisis.

In a meeting of federal and state party presidents on last Friday, Mr Clark praised Victorian Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien for not being overly political during the state’s second wave of COVID-19.

Mr Clark’s comments at the meeting have incensed some state and federal Liberal MPs who believe the Victorian Liberal leader was not doing enough to attack Labor Premier Daniel Andrews.

Mr Clark’s comments were perceived within the party as a veiled criticism of state MP Tim Smith and federal frontbencher Michael Sukkar, who had openly criticised Mr Andrews.

Since the meeting between party presidents on Friday, Mr Frydenberg has been critical of the Andrews government and urged Mr Andrews to be transparent about the hotel quarantine disaster.

Scott Morrison on Monday gave the green light to his ministers criticising the Andrews government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, declaring no politician should have a “leave pass to scrutiny”.

The Prime Minister said his Victorian ministers were merely saying that there “must be accountability for decisions that are made and a transparency in explaining what has occurred”.

“I don’t find that an extraordinary position to take,” Mr Morrison said.

“Equally, it is important that as the Treasurer also said, that there is nothing to be gained in slanging matches between levels of government and I don’t believe he is engaged in that at all.

“And so we will continue to work constructively and positively with the Victorian government. But that does not provide me or the Victorian Premier or any other premier or Chief Minister with a leave pass to scrutiny.”

On Monday, Melbourne-based frontbencher Alan Tudge, the Population Minister, said Victorians wanted clearer answers on the hotel quarantine mistakes.

“I think it’s critical at this particular time that certainly ministers are available to answer questions which journalists and the public have,” Mr Tudge said.

Former Victorian Liberal leader Matthew Guy condemned former NSW Liberal premier Mike Baird for defending Mr Andrews.

“Gee, I’ve got a sudden urge to comment on greyhound racing, nightclub lockouts and bungled tram lines,” Mr Guy tweeted.

“But, alas, I have to prepare for tomorrow’s home school given Melbourne is in a stage 4 curfew lockdown, and we can’t go to Manly beach.”