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Scott Morrison has blasted Melbourne's 'extreme lockdowns' and declared freedom 'must never be taken from us again'.
Five million Melbourne residents were last month released from the longest cumulative lockdown in the world, having been confined to their homes for 262 days, or nearly nine months, since March 2020.
Premier Daniel Andrews imposed some of the toughest restrictions across the globe including a one-hour-a-day exercise limit, a 5km movement restriction and an 8pm curfew.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speaks to the media during a press conference in Melbourne on Sunday
Mr Morrison had been careful not to criticise Mr Andrews at the time - but in a speech in Melbourne on Wednesday he revealed his true feelings by describing the rules as 'extreme'.
In a message to struggling small businesses, he said: 'You're the ones who've managed the heartache, complexity and frustration of extreme lockdowns and restrictions and staying Covid safe.
'And you are the ones who are now opening your doors again.'
'I also want to thank the people of Victoria,' he added.
'You have had to endure what no-one else in this country has had to endure.'
Scott Morrison (pictured giving a speech at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday) has blasted Melbourne's 'extreme lockdowns'
Revellers at Monkeys bar in Prahran as Melbourne opens up after lockdown last month. Mr Morrison said 'freedom must never be taken from us again'
The Prime Minister said his national re-opening
