Jim's Mowing founder launches scathing attack on Daniel Andrews' roadmap

Jim's Mowing founder Jim Penman has warned Premier Daniel Andrews' roadmap out of lockdown will create a mental health crisis in Victoria.

Mr Andrews revealed a four-step blueprint to easing COVID-19 restrictions on Sunday. The plan would see Victoria remain in a state of lockdown until October at least, has been branded conservative and unrealistic by some.

Mr Penman has publicly lashed the roadmap. The businessman penned a letter to Daniel Andrews yesterday saying the roadmap offers no relief to struggling businesses and the economic shutdown, will see "blood" on the Premier's hands.

READ MORE: How Melbourne's lockdown restrictions will be eased

Speaking to Today this morning he doubled down, warning the extended lockdown will create a mental health crisis.

"When you throw tens of thousands of people out of work without need, you talk about mental health issues, suicide, drug addiction, child abuse, domestic violence and the rest," a furious Mr Penman told Today.

"I know there are independent operators out there on suicide watch because of this."

Mr Penman added that businesses have been forgotten, as the state tackles the public health crisis.

"The idea he consults with business it ludicrous. It it is a joke," he said.

"Our industry is no threat to public health at all. A lone operator working alone in a garden is no threat to health."

The Australian businessman claimed Mr Andrews "stuffed" hotel quarantine, testing and contact tracing and called for the Premier to step down.

"He should step down," he said.

"The only thing he is good at is trashing the Victorian economy, especially industries like mine which are no threat."

Mr Penman believes Victorians have to learn to live with the deadly virus.

"This thing will never be crushed. It will never be eliminated," he said.

"But the harm that is being done by an overreaction. I'm not against reasonable - I miss going out, I miss going to restaurants, I miss going to church even more. I don't mind that. But any restrictions should be fair… should be designed to slow the infection without causing unnecessary harm to the public."

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