Tradies slam Daniel Andrews after Facebook post: ‘Not your friend’

The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been slammed on social media after he shared a happy snap with two tradies to promote the governments education policy. The tradies have since revealed they’ve both lost their jobs due to Melbourne’s lockdowns.
Mr Andrews posted the “pre COVID” photo on his Facebook page on Tuesday, saying the Victorian government was committed to supporting students who’d struggled throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
“There’s no denying that this year has been a challenge for students right across the state. But especially for those who’ve missed out on the practical, hands-on learning they need to succeed,” Mr Andrews said.
“These students, and the important skills they’re learning, will be vital to helping Victoria recover from this pandemic. And we’ll support them every step of the way.”
The photo was one of the Premier’s 2018 visits to Chisholm TAFE, and shows Mr Andrews smiling with Emily Roberts and Jack Sharlassian, according to the Daily Mail.
But Ms Roberts said she was not happy to be dragged into the PR moment, saying in a comment she was not his “friend”, and was out of work because of his coronavirus lockdowns.
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“I’m the female apprentice standing next to Dan and all I can say is … this photo was taken two years ago and why you dragging me into this now brah?! I’m not your friend,” Emily Roberts wrote.
“I’m not even working (due to coronavirus lockdown in Melbourne),” she wrote with a crying face emoji.
Mr Sharlassian, a plumber’s apprentice, said he had also been left out of work by the lockdown.
“I’ve been laid off as well due to lockdown. I’m not too impressed with the pic. It seems like a joke,” he told the Daily Mail.
The post sparked a wave of outrage from other commenters, who jumped to Ms Roberts’ defence.
“That photo is two years ago and the girl on the left is unemployed thanks to Melbourne’s lock down … well done Dan,” one person commented on the post.
“That photo is 2 years old and the apprentice next to Dan Andrews is currently unemployed right now because of Dan’s … lockdown,” another said.
Mr Andrews still had plenty of supporters, however, with a number of commenters saying he was doing a “great job”.
“Brilliant once again Dan. You and the Labor Government show your humanity and care unlike some others that will remain nameless,” one commenter said.
“This has certainly been a year everyone will remember and hopefully our kids will have learnt to roll with the punches and developed resilience and empathy.”