“This is not some Third World dictatorship, this is Australia 2022 — what earthly, or unearthly, secrets could this Premier have to hide?,” Mr Walsh said.
“The local media gives the local community a voice — and clearly Daniel Andrews is not interested in hearing what those people have to say.”
“That this Premier works overtime to control what details reach the public and what don’t is not the mark of a democratic leader, it is the sign of someone so desperate to cling to power that they will do anything, and everything, to shore up that position.
“Daniel Andrews should have been here to see what the whole region needs, to see the damage already done and the damage still making its way down many local rivers and across many floodplains.”
Mr Walsh said there were times when everyone in the public service would love to be able to lock the doors against the media — but you can’t.
“The media is a critical part of the checks and balances of the whole system of government, when you are answering questions at a media conference, or a one-on-one interview, they are questions being asked on behalf of the wider population, which may not have that much access to their premier or prime minister,” Mr Walsh said.
“The message you are sending is you don’t give a damn for people’s concerns, for their wellbeing or for their futures.
“Daniel Andrews is cherry-picking his audience and the truth be damned. The only reason he is in town, in such a specific setting, is to give those present a large bowl of currying favour.
“Plus I doubt he wants to do a meet-and-greet with the wider community because he might start hearing some real home truths.”
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