Science, not politics should direct Premier Andrews’ public health response

Liberal MP Tim Wilson says scientific evidence, not political motivations should guide the public health response to the coronavirus in Victoria.

Mr Wilson’s comments came after Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton reportedly said the state’s curfew was not introduced based on health advice provided by himself to the Premier.

“I think the only measures that need to be in place are those that are necessary to protect public health,” Mr Wilson said.

“When the Premier uses political reasons to make decisions which aren’t backed up by scientific evidence, where it isn’t justified, then you are needlessly suppressing the freedoms of people to go about their daily lives.”

Mr Wilson said there were “huge consequences” resulting from extended lockdowns such as a marked decline in mental health, the delay of elective surgeries and the progression of unidentified medical conditions.

Labor MP Peta Murphy argued the government needed to do “whatever we can to not be going in and out of restrictions”.

“We want to deal with this and get on with life,” she said.

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