Quick thread. Just a quick note to acknowledge the HUGE amount of feedback both here and in my inbox about the column I wrote last night on the graceless parliamentary debate marking Victoria's emergence from lockdown. It was great to hear from so many people.

A clear majority of responses were in firm agreement with my perspective. Many people were really emotional. But I want to acknowledge that a chunk of the feedback also validated @JoshFrydenberg's comments during the debate. People appreciated having their anger validated.

What this tells me is Victorians are divided, and traumatised, about their experiences during the pandemic. I still maintain the best approach when a community is divided is to find the words to bring people back together. You can lead by validating division.

I think this mode of leadership has v high transaction costs. Or you can lead by trying to move people past it. In any case, I just want to say this: Victoria, you've been bloody heroic. Thank you for everything you have done for yourselves, your families and the country. Thanks.