Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos admitted mistakes were made as state officials battled to control COVID-19, during a long Twitter thread overnight.

Her first post said:

“A thread: I’ve grown up inspired by Greece’s most enduring contribution to civilisation – democracy. A bust of the great Athenian statesman, Pericles, who built the Parthenon and governed during its golden age of educational and cultural achievement sits proudly in my office.”

She then continued to add:

https://twitter.com/JennyMikakos/status/1292097010703593472?s=20

Ms Mikakos accepted responsibility for the several shortcomings in the state government’s response to the pandemic but she stressed that this is a situation new to everyone.

“When we have to look back 100 years to the Spanish flu to find a pandemic of comparable global magnitude, it’s outside all of our collective experiences. It means there’s no detailed go-to manual of how to respond to these pandemics.”

The health minister said she put every ounce of her effort into Victoria’s effort to combat the pandemic and admitted to sharing the feelings of frustration every Australian is experiencing.

https://twitter.com/JennyMikakos/status/1292098554043879427?s=20

“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,” she said.

https://twitter.com/JennyMikakos/status/1292101699935428608?s=20

Before closing the thread, Ms Mikakos urged public opinion to let the independent judge do her job, 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 highlighted.

 

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