Before Dan Andrews slipped and suffered serious injury, he was one Australia's most prominent politicians. But he's only been seen TWICE since... and it's fuelling sinister conspiracies about what REALLY happened
Sam McPhee
Daily Mail Australia
May 30, 2021
Wild conspiracy theories have emerged about how Dan Andrews suffered his serious back injury that saw him temporarily step down as Victorian Premier.
Before the state Labor leader slipped down stairs at his holiday house on the Mornington Peninsula on March 9, breaking several ribs and suffering a badly damaged spine, he was one of the most prominent politicians in not just Victoria, but Australia.
The 48-year-old's profile had grown exponentially after spending 112 days through Victoria's lockdown doing a daily press briefing, which were broadcast live across the nation, amid the longest and harshest restrictions in the world as the state battled a second-wave Covid outbreak that killed more than 800.
But in the two months since handing over the reins to Acting Premier James Merlino, there have been just two social media posts since his fall - and it's that lack of communication with the electorate that's fuelling a number of false conspiracy theories about how he really suffered his injuries.
The first post showed him stepping out of bed during his stay in hospital, while the second showed him at home with his teenage daughter Grace on April 18th.
And that's it. All other media announcements have been on Twitter with text posts or through Mr Merlino.
But filling the void are the conspiracy theories that suggest his fall wasn't an accident, but something more nefarious - with some even claiming the image showing his recovery has been doctored.
'I heard you had your head bashed in by people after what you did to the people of Victoria. That is why you hired Photoshop artists to put your head on somebody else's body,' one person claimed on Andrews' last Instagram photo.
'This is also the reason we have not seen your actual face since the incident. We have not seen your actual hospital photos. And we haven't heard you speak. Because you got your head bashed in.'
Wild conspiracy theories have emerged claiming Dan Andrews' fall down the stairs of his holiday home actually occurred at a party - with claims the Victorian premier was pushed by those in attendance.
Conspiracy theorists falsely allege a number of alternative causes to his injuries, one which claims the Belt and Road Deal his government signed with China - which has since been disbanded - angered Victorian businesses and led to someone acting out against him.
Others claim Andrews' handing of the hotel quarantine to a private security company, which ended in a disastrous outbreak and prolonged lockdown in the second half of 2020, saw him become a target.
Other conspiracists even falsely claim Andrews was attacked at the party held by a prominent Australian businessman.
'Start telling the truth as to why you were pushed when... you were at the party,' one person replied to Andrews' Instagram post.
'How's that Belt and Road Deal, Dan? Selling us out to the commies. Who pushed you down those stairs?' another wrote.
There are several comments suggesting the image of Mr Andrews and his daughter is Photoshopped, claiming the black and white filter hides 'inconsistencies' like bruises.
Conspiracy theorists suggest that the Belt and Road Deal Andrews signed with China angered Victorian companies and could have played a role in his accident
Deputy Premier James Merlino provided an update on Mr Andrews' condition last week saying he was planning to return to work in June.
However, in reality, Andrews' suffered serious injures that require months of painstaking recovery. He suffered at least five broken ribs and an acute compression fracture of the T7 vertebra in his spine.
Since being released from hospital on March 15, he has been recovering at home.
'I landed flat on my back and hit the steps hard directly below the shoulder blades fracturing at least five ribs and sustaining an acute compression fracture of the T7 vertebra,' he said in a statement following the incident.
'I narrowly avoided permanent damage to my spinal cord.
'These are serious injuries that require me to wear a brace throughout each day except when sleeping.
'My doctors also want me to get rest and undertake a comprehensive program of physiotherapy.
'That's why I will take a leave of absence from my duties for at least six weeks.
'It's important that I take this rest and recovery seriously.'
Later he revealed that a trauma specialist told his wife that he should purchase a Lotto ticket he was so lucky to avoid a life-altering injury.
'I'm not sure about the Tattslotto ticket but I'm certain that with rest, continued high quality care and the support of family, friends, colleagues and the Victorian community, I'll be back doing the job I love as soon as possible,' Andrews said.
The Victorian premier's office said the all of the theories were 'completely false'.
'All of these conspiracy theories are completely false and have been previously dealt with. We don't intend to entertain them any further,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
Deputy Premier James Merlino provided an update on his condition last week saying he was planning to return to work in June.
'He's up and about, so I'm really pleased with his progress. There's still quite a way to go but he's doing very well,' he told reporters.
'We're on track for a June return, that'll obviously be subject to doctor's advice.'
