Victoria’s Health Minister, Jenny Mikakos, has defended her handling of the coronavirus crisis, saying she has put “every ounce of energy” she has into responding to the pandemic since the state’s first case was recorded in January.
In an emotional thread posted on Twitter over the weekend, Ms Mikakos said she always tried to be “upfront and measured” about the challenges facing the state, but acknowledged “mistakes were made along the way.”
“Since that fateful day on 25 January, when we had our first ever case, I’ve worked every day to keep everyone safe. I have put every ounce of energy I’ve had into that effort. If it wasn’t enough, then I’m deeply sorry,” Ms Mikakos wrote.
The Health Minister also hit out at the “incorrect assumption made that somehow I can single-handedly report on the actions of countless individuals and many agencies involved in our pandemic response” — a likely reference to repeated questioning about the State Government’s handling of the mandatory hotel quarantine program.
Victoria’s operation of its mandatory hotel quarantine program has been under intense scrutiny since authorities revealed infection control breaches contributed to a number of new cases in May and June.
The Andrews Government has refused to answer questions about its management of the program for weeks, saying it would be inappropriate to comment before the inquiry, headed by former judge Jennifer Coate, completed its investigation.
Victoria’s Opposition also called for Ms Mikakos to resign last week after the Minister refused to answer questions about hotel quarantine in State Parliament.
But on Twitter, the Health Minister urged people to allow Ms Coate to conduct the inquiry and “let the cards fall where they may.”
“I believe there is nothing to fear in seeking the truth. The truth will set you free,” she said.
When asked about Ms Mikakos’ welfare at Sunday’s coronavirus press conference, Premier Daniel Andrews said she was “a very strong person.”
“I’ve not read [the tweets] in full. They’ve been conveyed to me,” he said. “Everybody is working as hard as they can, and it is a big team.”
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