Constructing a crisis: how Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews made meaning of COVID-19

Abstract

The state of Victoria, Australia experienced some of the longest and strictest COVID-19 lockdowns in the world, and among the highest peaks of COVID-19 cases in the country. Despite this, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has retained his leadership position, as well as public support in the polls and high compliance with COVID-19 restrictions which resulted in Victoria eliminating two waves of the virus over 2020. This article investigates how Andrews supported his government's policy response to COVID-19 by attempting to construct the reality of crisis in the public consciousness. Through a thematic analysis of Andrews’ press conferences, media releases, and social media posts, it is found that a campaign of language, imagery, metaphor and narrative framed the pandemic as a crisis that was urgent, but nonetheless familiar and manageable.