Mr Merlino refused to commit funds for the 500-bed complex, and said the Commonwealth should pay for the project, as quarantine was constitutionally a federal government responsibility.
However, on February 16 while announcing a purpose-built accommodation hub, Premier Daniel Andrews vowed to go one step further. âItâs more than just scoping it, we are going to get on and build a facility,â he said.
Victoria sent its business case to the Commonwealth at 9.42am, just minutes before Mr Merlinoâs press conference.
âWeâve got a delayed rollout of the Commonwealth vaccine program, weâve got a dire situation in other parts of the world,â Mr Merlino said.