Melbourne is in lockdown again.
In this most recent outbreak, the Victorian government has responded quickly. Just hours after the infected group being identified, the Victorian contact tracing team had identified 10,000 people to isolate and stop the spread. When the spread was noted, Victoria was “frozen” to move immediately through a 7-day lockdown.
The Victorian government has proposed a 250 million dollars package to support businesses to keep on running through this time of hardship. Acting Premier James Merlino and his team have demonstrated to be compassionate and decisive. To keep the suffering Victorians from losing home and be positive is a demonstration of leadership.
However, it is unfair to blame the federal government for a slow vaccination program. Vaccines supply are simply uncontrollable by Australians. There is no reason to assume Australia can have an ample supply of vaccine for everyone at this time, hence the present lockdown is NOT causing by any delay in vaccination.
Yes, in this lockdown, we have lost the Jobkeeper to protect Victorians from losing their jobs in this period. The federal government has a responsibility to help the Victorian workers to bear the pain of losing income at this moment. All Victorians are Australians.
The excuse for refusing to support Victorians by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg that no other states have been supported is incompassionate. Which state has gone through 112 days of lockdown to keep Australia clean from the virus? Which state has been lockdown four times? Which state has suffered economic hardship as deep as with Victoria? That is why Victorians should be supported now.
Similarly, Victorian seniors in residential care facilities should be immediately vaccinated. The federal government must provide support to those in need. At this critical moment, Prime Minister Scott Morrison should show his leadership and compassion.
The federal government cannot deny its duty to help Victoria.
Raymond Chow
Publisher, BlessingCALD