Bill Shorten issues heartwarming message to Melbourne as restrictions ease

Shadow Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten has issued a heartwarming message to Melburnians, hours before restrictions ease in the locked-down city.

After days of declining cases, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday announced retail and hospitality could resume trading from midnight tonight.

The welcome news came a day after Mr Andrews initially put the easing restrictions on a "cautious pause" as health authorities waited for COVID-19 test results from a cluster in Melbourne's north.

READ MORE: Melbourne wakes to final day of strictest COVID-19 lockdown

Speaking from Canberra, Mr Shorten, who lives in Melbourne, said he is "wrapped" for his state.

"I'm so pleased for all Melburnians. All Victorians. It's been a tough road," he said smiling.

"Gee if you want to get a job done give it to people in Melbourne. We've smashed this. It's fantastic."

When the politician called home last night, he said "there was a bit going on" as his family celebrated.

The Shorten family has been outspoken during the lockdown, which has been dubbed one of the strictest in the world.

In August, Mr Shorten's 17-year-old daughter Georgette, spoke out about her disappointment of finishing Year 12 at home.

Despite the hardship, Mr Shorten praised Mr Andrews' handling of the health crisis.

"Daniel Andrews is copping the brick bat. When it's good news it's fair he gets some of that," Mr Shorten said.

"It's still tough.

"(But) you know what, at least it's gone from 723 cases to 0. There will be some small numbers. It's genuinely good news.

"All of Australia is pleased for Melbourne."

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