Fresh details about Daniel Andrews fall after 'disgraceful' theory
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews has moved to quash growing speculation over his fall at a Mornington Peninsula holiday home that left him with a fractured vertebra and ribs, leaving him unable to work for three months.
The state's Liberal party ramped up their scrutiny of Mr Andrews' account on Monday when Shadow Treasurer Louise Staley released a list of questions surrounding the timeline of his fall she wanted the premier to answer before he returns to work.
"Nobody's got really any idea where it happened and this is a very visual world these days, where we seem to have everything out there on the media but not this," she said on Tuesday in defence of her demand.
In a bid to dispel unsubstantiated rumours surrounding how he obtained his injuries, Mr Andrews granted Victoria Ambulance permission to release an in-depth account of the events in the wake of his call to emergency services.
"Ambulance Victoria received a triple zero call for an ambulance at 6.36am on Tuesday 9 March 2021 for a patient who had fallen on steps at a house in Sorrento," its statement began.
As Mr Andrews' injuries weren't life-threatening, his call underwent secondary triage deeming an ambulance was needed, which arrived at 7.01am at the address, Ambulance Victoria said.
"The patient was assessed by treating paramedics as having suspected fractured ribs, and pain relief was provided. The patient requested to attend a local hospital in order for the attending crew to remain within the area once cleared from the case," the statement continued.
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"Peninsula Private Hospital Emergency Department was determined in consultation with the patient and treating paramedics."
One rumour to gain traction online is that the fall occurred at the home of businessman Lindsay Fox, which has been denied.
While Ms Staley denied she was peddling conspiracy theories, she said "lots of Victorians" were seeking answers to her questions.
Senior ministers blast Liberal move as 'disgraceful'
Mr Andrews' government has hit out at the stance taken by the Liberal party, with several senior ministers calling for an apology over suggestion Mr Andrews covered up the circumstances around his fall.
Enraged by developments, Acting Premier James Merlino lashed out at the Liberal party on Tuesday at the state's daily Covid-19 press conference, calling their response a "disgraceful act".
"I treat it with the contempt that it deserves. This is more about how the Liberal Party treat people. No decency, no respect, they should be ashamed of themselves," he said.
Treasurer Tim Pallas labelled such rumours as "nonsense".
"It's QAnon craziness peddled around the community to create an atmosphere of uncertainty."
Opposition Leader Michael O'Brien said his party was not suggesting Mr Andrews had been untruthful, but were simply seeking all the details around his fall.
Ms Staley also called for information on whether Mr Andrews was formally or informally interviewed by police over the long weekend the incident occurred.
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