Considerable confusion around the new Coronavirus ‘stay at home’ laws requires a number of grey areas to be clarified, according to Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull.

“Most people just want to do the right thing, but don’t want to risk a fine for undertaking an activity that is illegal and they need more direction than what is being provided,” he said.

“My office has fielded several hundred enquiries from people who want more direction. There remains considerable confusion around certain things only being allowed for ‘exercise’, but then other activities are allowed under ‘recreation’.

“Although we are doing our best, it is very hard to give the public accurate information and justify some other activities over another.

“Last week everyone was told no fishing, hunting or golf as they were non-essential, but then advised swimming and surfing were allowed.

“How is it that you can’t stand on a surf beach with a fishing rod, but you can go for a swim or surf.

“Similarly, you can play a game of tennis or throw basketball hoops, but you can’t play a round of golf by yourself.

“I know these are tough times for government and there are no doubts precautions need to be taken and restrictions put in place, but we need some consistency applied and basic reasoning provided. There is a mental health consideration in all of this,” said Mr Bull.

“It is not helpful when the Premier and Police Minister both insisted couples living apart could not see each other under any circumstances, so you put that out to the community loud and clear – and then the chief health officer says that was wrong, they can see each other.

“This sort of thing is causing a lot of angst in the community.

“The legal directions signed by the government don’t give answers on many of the issues people want detail on and in some cases, are contradicted by the government’s own advice on department websites.

“While the Minister was saying no fishing, the Departmental website was saying it was OK as long as the social distancing rules were applied.

“The Premier has told people to ‘stop looking for loopholes’, but most are not looking for loopholes, they want to know where they stand and what they can and can’t do.”

Mr Bull reinforced that to be on the safe side, if you are unsure, don’t do it.

Monday, April 6, 2020