THE Australian Defence Force should be used to allow a fast-tracked easing of COVID-19 restrictions in the Mildura electorate.

Member for Mildura Ali Cupper said Premier Daniel Andrews’ assertion it would be too difficult to police separate zones in regional Victoria was not based on health advice.

“Mr Andrews is saying the State Government will not divide regional Victoria into different zones because it would be too hard to police those borders,” she said.

“If that’s the case, then call more ADF personnel to help.

“The Prime Minister has said many times the Federal Government would provide any resources needed to help our state. This is a situation where the ADF should be called in to help us open up quicker.”

Ms Cupper said small businesses in the Mildura electorate were at breaking point and needed certainty that was not contained in the government’s roadmap for reopening.

Mr Andrews has said the government was concerned opening regional Victoria sooner would attract people from virus hotspots like Melbourne.

“But this can be policed with the use of ADF personnel,” Ms Cupper said.

“The resources are there – we just need our government to work with the Federal Government to utilise them.”

Ms Cupper remains hopeful the Mildura electorate would be able to move straight into the third step on Sunday.

“Mr Andrews keeps saying it’s possible regional Victoria could skip a step and move to the third step some time next week, but it depends on the data,” she said.

“The 14-day average is at 4.7, which is below the threshold, so if that number remains I would expect us to move into the third step on Sunday.

“Moving to step three would certainly be a positive move, but the move to step four is still the end of November, at the earliest, which is a long way away.

“But any move forward at this point in time will be welcomed.”