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'From the top shelf': Backlash over premier's post-lockdown celebration

Daniel Andrews has faced heavy backlash after toasting the end of Victoria’s coronavirus restrictions with a glass of top-shelf whisky.

Proud of the state’s zero coronavirus cases on Monday, the premier Tweeted an image of two glasses filled with Melbourne-made Starward whisky. The tawny-aged limited edition bottle retails for $119, according to the brand’s website.

“Said I’d go a little higher up in the shelf. Here’s to you, Victoria.” Mr Andrews captioned the photo.

Twitter users were quick to take aim at the premier, saying it was a “very sad day” for Victorians because so many had lost their jobs and lives.

Two glasses filled with Melbourne-made Starward whisky. Source: Twitter
Celebrating zero new Covid-19 cases on Monday, the premier Tweeted an image of two glasses filled with Melbourne-made Starward whisky. Source: Twitter

“Imagine how much better it SHOULD have been without our Government's incompetence. No credit for putting us through this when the rest of Australia has been open,” one person responded.

“Please. 127,000 jobs, 800 lives, thousands of businesses lost. We are celebrating Victorians not its Government…” another Tweeted.

“It's like throwing your 21st birthday party next door to a funeral. Plenty of people are getting [donut emoji] in terms of a wage at the moment thanks to the incompetence of this government,” a man wrote.

Hundreds of other Twitter users defended Mr Andrews, praising his “miraculous job”.

“Thank you Dan and all your hardworking team!! One day you will be able to rest and you deserve it!” one woman wrote.

“Thank you to you and your team. You have moved mountains. Today is a bloody good day,” another said.

“Emotions are high, thank you is never going to be enough. But thank you for your unwavering commitment to this state, thank you to your family and thank you to the hardworking team behind you,” a third woman chimed in.

‘Get on the beers’

The first question Mr Andrews was asked after announcing the end of the state’s Covid-19 lockdown was if he would be getting on the beers tonight.

“I don’t know that I’ll be drinking a beer tonight, I might go a little higher up the shelf,” the premier admitted.

“Enjoy that top shelf tonight, Dan... you’ve earned it,” one woman remarked on Twitter.

“Get on the beers” was trending on Twitter in Australia as Melburnians celebrated the move out of lockdown.

Later in the day, Mr Andrews posted an image of himself on Twitter holding a donut – a nod to the now dubbed October 26 ‘Donut Day’, acknowledging the state’s zero cases.

Victorians celebrated the zero new cases by sharing photos of donuts they’ve bought to celebrate on social media. The tradition was repeated on Tuesday when another day of zero cases was announced in Victoria.

Numerous shoppers said the sweet treats had completely sold out at multiple supermarkets, including a Woolworths store.

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