The Project hosts clash over Melbourne's strict lockdown rules
The Project's Peter Helliar and Steve Price surprised viewers after engaging in a heated debate on Monday night over Melbourne's strict lockdown rules.
The debate kicked off after Carrie Bickmore read a news update about Melbourne's lockdown, explaining that while the curfew had been lifted, there were still fines for those breaking rules.
For example, if someone is caught at a house party, they will be fined $5000.
"Ten parties (in Melbourne) over the weekend; one of them had 40 people,” Steve said.
“Now, 40’s obviously over the top, but would you dob in someone who had half a dozen people over at their house for a barbecue?"
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Peter responded, "I wouldn't think twice about it."
Steve retorted, "Really? You’re a dobber? You’re a dobber. It’s un-Australian, Peter."
"Mate, I don’t care. That’s bulls**t," Pete said as Steve once again called him un-Australian.
"You can say it again if you want – I’ll say the same thing," Pete added.
"Haven’t you been paying attention to what we’ve all been going through? We’re so close to the end. The fact that 40 people are likeminded enough to think that it’s OK to have a party is ridiculous."
Carrie then told Steve that if he wanted to have a small gathering, they could go to a park.
However, Steve then questioned what the difference was between sitting in the park or in his backyard.
"Because, that's what you're allowed to do!" Carrie shot back.
Waleed Aly then asked Steve if he was planning on holding an illegal house party, and his response was very confusing.
"Yes! I am! Yes! … Let me be clear, I’m not encouraging people to break the law. I’m saying, don’t dob them in," he said.
Viewers were swift to slam Steve on social media.
"And Steve Price demonstrates why the curfew and lockdown was necessary,” one user Tweeted. “Because there are some f**kwits who believe the rules don't apply to them."
"Steve Price once again proving why he shouldn't even be on tv. Time for him to go," another annoyed viewer wrote.
Someone else added, "I'm 100% with YOU #Pete; We are SO close to having #Covid19 under SOME control. We CAN'T Break the rules! #TheProjectTV."
Another said, "I’m with Pete, businesses are shut and w***ers have parties?"
It comes after Steve became emotional last month because Melbourne's second lockdown had hit him hard.
“My mother’s in her late 80s; I’ve seen her once this year. She’s in the zone where anything could happen. I just feel gutted that I might never physically see her again. It’s awful. It’s awful,” he said.
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