THE Victorian Ombudsman has exposed the shocking and callous treatment Victorians received when caught on the wrong side of the State Government’s border lockdowns.
The Ombudsman’s investigation into border control decision-making under the Victorian Border Crossing Permit Directions has revealed the “downright unjust, even inhumane” treatment of innocent Victorians simply trying to return home to their families or undertake their ordinary business operations.
The Ombudsman’s investigation found: Application decisions were not fully based on public health considerations; Department staff were expected to review border permit applications at a rate of almost one every 30 seconds; The vast majority of applications were rejected without a specific reason, with the department citing ‘closed for other reasons’; There was no review or appeal mechanism, which meant rejected Victorians faced no alternative pathway home; and the decision on July 20, 2021 to prohibit Victorians in ‘red zones’ from entering Victoria and giving people 12 hours to make it across the border was found to be an impossible task, especially for many Victorians who were in northern New South Wales.
The report also found that Victoria’s COVID-19 hotline gave misleading or general information, often leaving Victorians remaining uncertain as to whether or not they were able to enter Victoria.
The Ombudsman’s report showed the government prioritised locking Victorians out of their homes rather than allowing them to return home.
Instead of a common-sense approach that treated Victorians with respect, the government’s bureaucratic system of 30 second decisions lead to the callous treatment of thousands of Victorian families in desperate situations.
“This is just another example of ill-conceived and rushed policy by the Andrews Government, that has hurt so many Victorians by separating families and local communities for months on end,” shadow health minister, Georgie Crozier said.
“The Liberal Nationals have called on the Andrews Government to immediately apologise and release the health advice used to justify brutal treatment of Victorians by their own government.
“Daniel Andrews’ permit system highlights everything wrong with this government – its arrogance, dismissiveness and utter failure to treat people with respect.
“The lives and livelihoods of Victorians are worth more than 30 seconds’ thought from the Andrews Government.
“Instead of a fair system that prioritised getting Victorians safely home, Daniel Andrews’ system aimed to keep people locked out no matter the circumstances.
“This system was wrong, and Daniel Andrews must apologise today.”
Shadow Regional Cities and Border Communities minister, Bill Tilley said none of the reports came as a surprise to many regional Victorian communities.
“Communities, families, staff and business were torn apart for months under this callous system that treated Victorians as the enemy,” he said.
“We will never forget the bloody mindedness and political bastardry applied to regional and rural Victorians.”
