The timing of the decision to end Melbourne’s curfew is absolutely cynical, according to state opposition leader Michael O'Brien.
The curfew ended at 5 a.m. on Sept. 28, the same day that Mornington Peninsula cafe owner and aspiring Liberal MP Michelle Loielo is challenging the curfew in the Supreme Court.
She argues her human rights have been infringed by the direction.
It is understood the court action is still going ahead.
Asked on Monday morning if he thought the decision to call off the curfew was cynical, O'Brien told ABC Radio National: “absolutely.”
“That was a decision that was not taken on the advice of the chief health office or even the chief commissioner of police—the premier admitted it was his call,” he added.
“This is what I’m talking about—enormous infringements on the rights of Victorians without any public health basis.
“Isn’t it interesting that just today, as a Liberal Party member is going to the Supreme Court to challenge the legality of the curfew, the premier decided yesterday that it’s not necessary any more and we’re withdrawing it immediately.”
Premier Daniel Andrews denied on Sept. 27 the decision to lift the curfew had anything to do with the Supreme Court action.
