Lindsay Fox has no truck with Premier's corporate critics - The Age

And, of course, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

Trucking boss Lindsay Fox has diverged from big business leaders to back Premier Daniel Andrews.Credit:Eddie Jim.

The Premier may have had an awkward evening if Mr Fox's party was next week, based on the volume of business leader frustration directed towards him in recent months as Victoria has shuffled out of its second wave of coronavirus.

Yet Mr Fox, who met Mr Andrews after he became opposition leader in 2010, differs from many of his esteemed birthday party invitees and almost all of the Victorian business industry in praising the Premier for "at the least, showing leadership".

He says business leaders are entitled to their opinions, but many detractors are playing the man, not the ball.

Yet Mr Fox says his support for Mr Andrews is not personal and he has no political allegiance.

Daniel Andrews has come under fire from business leaders for moving Victoria too slowly out of restrictions.Credit:Getty Images.

Ms Kirner invited Mr Fox onto a panel of political, union and business leaders, steered by former union boss Bill Kelty and businessman-turned Liberal Party president John Elliott, that plotted Victoria's recovery in jobs, mental health and culture?

Mr Fox says irrespective of the coming months, his birthday party list won't be changing

If Mr Andrews and business can bridge the gap, it might make next year's party a little more harmonious