Comedian Dave Hughes slams Daniel Andrews for his plan to allow spectators at the Cox Plate… just days before the government backtracked and called the decision a ‘mistake’
Dave Hughes came out swinging at the Victorian government in a tweet about Saturday’s Cox Plate in Melbourne.
With the state still under extreme lockdown restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic, the 49-year-old comedian said he couldn’t understand the government’s decision to allow spectators onto the racecourse.
Tweeting Victorian premier Daniel Andrews directly, Dave branded the decision to allow spectators at the race was hypocritical.
Fighting words: Dave Hughes came out swinging at the Victorian government in a tweet about Saturday’s Cox Plate in Melbourne
He also called out the premier for refusing to allow people to gather to watch the AFL grand final, which is also scheduled for the same day.
‘Hey @DanielAndrewsMP you probably can’t remember who made ‘Horse owner crews can party at Melb race track this weekend’ decision but as Covid now appears less of a concern for you, maybe also ‘Two families can enjoy @afl grand final this Saturday together’?’ he tweeted on Tuesday.
Dave’s tweet went viral, attracting 317 retweets and over 3,000 likes, with many applauding the funnyman for speaking out.
Backlash: Tweeting Victorian premier Daniel Andrews directly, Dave claimed the decision to allow spectators at the race was hypocritical. Pictured at press conference in Melbourne on October 20
Speaking out: With the state still under extreme lockdown restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic, the 49-year-old comedian couldn’t understand the government’s decision to allow spectators onto the racecourse
Just a day later on Wednesday, the Victorian government backtracked on their decision to allow a select group of spectators at the race.
In a post on Twitter, racing minister Martin Pakula branded the decision a ‘mistake’, after earlier saying 500 people would be allowed to attend the event.
‘It was a mistake, given that other restrictions remain in place, and we’ve heard the community feedback,’ he tweeted.
Angry: He also called out the premier for refusing to allow people to gather to watch the AFL grand final, which is also scheduled for Saturday
Pakula added that the initial decision had been ‘motivated only by respect for the occasion and a desire to mark a small step on the path to reopening’.
Victoria entered harsh stage four lockdown restrictions on August 2, attracting widespread controversy.
On Monday, Andrews announced the easing of some restrictions, with more scheduled for November.
Change of mind: Just a day later on Wednesday, the Victorian government backtracked on their decision to allow a select group of spectators at the race