Skip to main content

Daniel Andrews attempts to stop you from finding out why he imposed a radical curfew in Melbourne - as cafe owner sues the government for crippling her business

The Victorian government will try to keep secret the data it analysed before deciding to continue Melbourne's strict curfew.

Mornington Peninsula cafe owner Michelle Loielo is suing the government, claiming Covid-19 restrictions have caused a 99 per cent drop in her revenue.

The case will go to trial in the Supreme Court on Monday and Ms Loielo's lawyers argue that data which informed the government's decision-making should be made public.

Michelle Loielo (right) filed a suit in Victoria's Supreme Court on Tuesday, saying she has lost 99 per cent of business under the tough restrictions

Michelle Loielo filed a suit in Victoria's Supreme Court on Tuesday, saying she has lost 99 per cent of business under the tough restrictions

Earlier this month Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) said he decided to bring in the unprecedented 8pm curfew even though it was not recommended by scientists

Earlier this month Premier Daniel Andrews said he decided to bring in the unprecedented 8pm curfew even though it was not recommended by scientists

But the state will try to keep the data secret under a public interest immunity claim to be made next week, reported the Herald Sun.

Victoria's Deputy Public Health Commander Michelle Giles, who approved the extension of the lockdown and curfew on 14 September, said in court documents submitted on Tuesday that her decision was informed by government data.

Professor Giles claimed the data showed 'a clear and direct correlation' between stage four restrictions lower Covid-19 case numbers.

Ms Loielo's lawyer Vanessa Plain said: 'It is critical that data be produced and is before the court so we may test the way in which Dr Giles reached the conclusion the orders were rational.' 

Earlier this month Premier Daniel Andrews said he decided to bring in the unprecedented 8pm curfew even though it was not recommended by scientists.  

'That's a decision that I've made,' he said on 10 September, adding that governments are 'free to go beyond' advice given to them by doctors. 

The previous day Victoria's chief health officer Brett Sutton said he did not recommend the curfew.  

Ms Loielo, a Liberal Party supporter, claims the curfew violates her rights to freedom.

She says her business in Capel Sound used to bring in up to $20,000 a week in earnings.

The curfew, which affects metropolitan Melbourne, originally required people to stay home between 8pm and 5am, but was pushed back to 9pm from Monday

'Last week I made $400,' she wrote in a court document supporting her claim last week.

'This situation troubles me greatly, as I am the sole financial provider for my three children and I am genuinely concerned that I am not going to be able to provide for my children if this situation continues. I am afraid that I will lose my house.'

Ms Loielo said the business was running at a loss, and trying to keep it afloat while caring for her children had taken a significant toll on her health.

In a post on her restaurant website on August 8, Ms Loielo said the industry had taken an 'absolute beating' in 2020 and she had had to remodel, reshuffle and rethink everything to do with her business.

'To this end, I have become heavily involved in local politics and discussions and am even taking a crack at being preselected to run for the next state election in the seat of Nepean for the Liberal Party,' she wrote.

Court documents, filed by Marcus Clarke QC, argue the curfew direction is invalid on grounds of irrationality and illogicality.

Mr Clarke has previously provided expert advice to Victoria's state opposition over the legality of changes to Victoria's state of emergency, which has been extended.

In an originating motion he says the curfew is not reasonably proportionate, and not based on relevant and reliable evidence in line with public health laws.

It says Victoria's Deputy Public Health Commander, Associate Professor Michelle Giles, 'failed to give any real independent consideration to whether it was appropriate to make the curfew'.

Ms Loielo, the DHHS and shadow attorney-general Edward O'Donohue have been contacted for comment.

Police arrest a protester during an anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne on Sunday

Police arrest a protester during an anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne on Sunday

Popular posts from this blog

Study Abroad USA, College of Charleston, Popular Courses, Alumni

Thinking for Study Abroad USA. School of Charleston, the wonderful grounds is situated in the actual middle of a verifiable city - Charleston. Get snatched up by the wonderful and customary engineering, beautiful pathways, or look at the advanced steel and glass building which houses the School of Business. The grounds additionally gives students simple admittance to a few major tech organizations like Amazon's CreateSpace, Google, TwitPic, and so on. The school offers students nearby as well as off-grounds convenience going from completely outfitted home lobbies to memorable homes. It is prepared to offer different types of assistance and facilities like clubs, associations, sporting exercises, support administrations, etc. To put it plainly, the school grounds is rising with energy and there will never be a dull second for students at the College of Charleston. Concentrate on Abroad USA is improving and remunerating for your future. The energetic grounds likewise houses various

Best MBA Online Colleges in the USA

“Opportunities never open, instead we create them for us”. Beginning with this amazing saying, let’s unbox today’s knowledge. Love Business and marketing? Want to make a high-paid career in business administration? Well, if yes, then mate, we have got you something amazing to do!   We all imagine an effortless future with a cozy house and a laptop. Well, well! You can make this happen. Today, with this guide, we will be exploring some of the top-notch online MBA universities and institutes in the USA. Let’s get started! Why learn Online MBA from the USA? Access to More Options This online era has given a second chance to children who want to reflect on their careers while managing their hectic schedules. In this, the internet has played a very crucial in rejuvenating schools, institutes, and colleges to give the best education to students across the globe. Graduating with Less Debt Regular classes from high reputed institutes often charge heavy tuition fees. However onl

Sickening moment maskless 'Karen' COUGHS in the face of grocery store customer, then claims she doesn't have to wear a mask because she 'isn't sick'

A woman was captured on camera following a customer through a supermarket as she coughs on her after claiming she does not need a mask because she is not sick.  Video of the incident, which has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on Twitter alone, allegedly took place in a Su per Saver in Lincoln, Nebraska according to Twitter user @davenewworld_2. In it, an unidentified woman was captured dramatically coughing as she smiles saying 'Excuse me! I'm coming through' in the direction of the customer recording her. Scroll down for video An unidentified woman was captured dramatically coughing as she smiles saying 'Excuse me! I'm coming through' in the direction of a woman recording her A woman was captured on camera following a customer as she coughs on her in a supermarket without a mask on claiming she does not need one because she is not sick @chaiteabugz #karen #covid #karens #karensgonewild #karensalert #masks we were just wearing a mask at the store. ¿ o