Daniel Andrews is receiving daily briefings amid Victoria's lockdown – with “no decisions” of “suitable import” escaping him as he recovers from his fall.
Victoria’s Health Minister Martin Foley said Acting Premier James Merlino was in “close consultation” with Mr Andrews.
“There are very few decisions – in fact I’m pretty confident there are no decisions of suitable import – from the budget, the direction of strategic actions of the government, that are taken without the premier being thoroughly aware,” Mr Foley said.
“There are millions of daily decisions made across government, and the premier is not making those daily decisions, the acting premier is in charge, and is in close consultation with the premier.”
The last time Victorians heard from Mr Andrews was weeks ago on Twitter when he said he was “making slow and steady progress” on the road to recovery.
Mr Andrews is due to return in June, but on Tuesday authorities could offer no d
Acting Premier James Merlino has confirmed Victorian businesses most impacted by the week-long lockdown extension will be eligible to receive further financial support.
In what will come as a relief to struggling businesses, the state government will contribute a further $209 million to aid operators in the hospitality, retail, events and creative sector.
The support package will include an additional $181 million contribution to the business cost assistance program and will allow locked down businesses to apply for grants of up to $5,000.
The remaining $28 million has been set aside to assist licenced hospitality venues where grants will increase from $3,500 to $7,000.
Details of a support package for regional tourism operators and accommodations providers will also be announced in coming days.
It comes as Mr Merlino renewed calls for the federal government to reintroduce “JobKeeper-styled” subsidies for Victorians impacted by the latest lockdowns, pledging to take the re
Health authorities in the Australian state of Victoria extended a lockdown in the capital of Melbourne as the latest outbreak of Covid-19 active cases rose to 60 by Wednesday.The week-long lockdown, which was due to end on Thursday, will .