Dan Andrews' scathing retort after treasurer's criticism: 'NOT ABOUT YOU'
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews' feud with Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg showed no signs of abating on Monday as he unleashed a savage retort during a live television interview.
Appearing on ABC News Breakfast, host Michael Rowland pressed Mr Andrews on Mr Frydenberg's suggestion the upcoming end to lockdown for Melburnians was too cautious and pointed to the greater freedoms Sydney residents have enjoyed since last Monday.
Rowland branded Mr Frydenberg a "very prominent critic" amid Victoria's pandemic response, to which Mr Andrews appeared to agree.
"Well, look, I would just say to Josh, "This is not about you and your breathless political rants don't work against this virus," Mr Andrews hit back.
He said the focus should be on the "amazing" vaccine push from Victorians instead of the treasurer.
"This is their moment. It's not for Josh.
"And his endless criticism and negativity, I just don't think it goes down very well in Victoria because it doesn't work against this virus. So, I will say no more about him."
The pair have been involved in an ugly war-of-words for some time due to their differing policies in response to Covid-19.
The latest irritant has been Victoria's roadmap out of lockdown which Mr Frydenberg said was "ludicrous" and "unacceptable" over the weekend.
On Sunday Mr Andrews announced freedoms will come earlier than expected for Melburnians, with an exit out of lockdown pencilled in for Friday.
Mr Frydenberg's pursuance of greater freedoms for Victorians appeared to contradict comments from former deputy chief health officer Nick Coatsworth who urged for precautions as the nation begins to open up.
"We have to be cautious as policymakers that we take prudent steps out of lockdown," he told the Nine Network on Monday.
"Because we want to maintain the capacity of our healthcare system, which as we know is stretched."
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