Joint statement on publichousing tower lockdowns
Comments attributable toShadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier:
“Vulnerable Victorians acrossthe state will be concerned about the risk they now face due to theincompetence and mismanagement of COVID-19 by the Andrews LaborGovernment.
“The extent of this crisis isgrowing by the day and resources will be stretched, potentially placing livesat risk.
“The potential for familyviolence in these stressful circumstances is very real and people will needhelp and support.
“It’s time for Daniel Andrews toput politics aside and take up the offer to have ADF personnel on the ground toassist with the growing COVID-19 crisis.”
Comments attributable toShadow Minister for Housing, Tim Smith:
“The Andrews Labor Governmentcouldn’t even manage to lock people in hotel quarantine, how on earth are theygoing to successfully lock down nine towers?
“In these towers are some of ourmost disadvantaged citizens. Large families, recent migrants, elderly, andpeople with drug dependency. If the Andrews Labor Government gets this wrongthere will be terrible consequences.
“Victoria has the lowest percapita spending on social housing of any state or territory.
“Unless the police areaccompanied by translators, doctors, community leaders, and drug and alcoholcounsellors, this will be another debacle, with potentially dire consequences.
“The residents in these affectedtowers will absolutely need support, they must be treated with respect anddecency.
“The key steps from here are tomake sure all tenants know what’s going on, understand why it’s happening andare given the support they need.”