Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said country communities and businesses need significant concessions if the state lockdown is extended past Wednesday.

“It is simply not fair that communities over 300-500 kilometres away from Melbourne, and without any cases, are forced into lockdown because of a metropolitan outbreak,” said Mr Bull.

“The last time we went into lockdown, there was an allowance for country people to be able to visit other country areas that were Coronavirus free. It worked well and allowed businesses to function and that should be the case again.

“For the past 14 months, since fires ravaged our area, businesses and communities in East Gippsland have been doing it tough. If travel and other restrictions need to be applied to metropolitan areas, that should be looked at separately.

“Our Premier, who only weeks ago was boasting his hotel quarantine was gold standard, is happy to have colour codes for different regions of other states, but treats Victoria as one location to the great disadvantage of many.

“It’s time he started looking after country areas.”

Monday, February 15, 2021