The long-delayed “trans-Tasman bubble” is finally starting to open – and Victorian premier Daniel Andrews is caught out again.
The first planeloads of passengers were allowed to enter Australia from New Zealand on the weekend. Most went to Sydney, but 65 Kiwis landed right in Australia’s COVID shithole, Melbourne, sparking off a furious political battle.
For locked-down Victorians, forbidden by their Dear Leader from even having Grand Final barbecues, the sight of a planeload of foreigners swanning into Melbourne was a galling sight. Daniel Andrews was quick to try and capitalise.
Australia’s biggest prick may yet burst the Trans-Tasman bubble. The BFD. Photoshop by Lushington Brady.
“Some things have gone wrong here,” spluttered Andrews. Trying to push blame back on the federal government, the Victorian premier insisted that, as always, he knew nuzzink. “We made it clear that we didn’t want to be part – could not be part of the bubble arrangements at this point.”
But, like his endless denials at the hotel quarantine inquiry, it transpires that “Dictator Dan” isn’t quite being straight with the public.
Victoria’s health department told Australian Border Force officials at Tullamarine Airport it knew a group of New Zealand travellers was headed into the state hours before its arrival and Premier Daniel Andrews was informed.
After blustering his way through the weekend, Andrews suddenly began walking back.
On Sunday, Mr Andrews moved back on threats to close the Victorian border completely over the issue.
“We made it clear we do not want international arrivals regardless of what country they come from into our state unless they quarantine,” he said. “International borders are not the responsibility of the state government and what happens in Sydney is not the responsibility of our state government.”
The federal government begs to differ.
Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge demanded the Victorian government release any communications suggesting it did not want New Zealanders to enter if they had come via Sydney.
He said on Sunday the arrival of the New Zealanders in Victoria was discussed by chief medical officers – including Victoria’s Brett Sutton – and noted reports in The Age newspaper that the Premier’s own department had approved the entries.
“The Victorian government was present when it was discussed. They were made aware that this was going to occur. They raised no objections in the meetings and, furthermore, expressly authorised individuals who were arriving into Sydney from New Zealand to be able to travel on into Victoria,” Mr Tudge said.
Daniel Andrews trying to mislead Victorians? Say it ain’t so.
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