Andrews Government slams Channel 10 show Hunted for ‘failing to get a permit’ to film on Metro

The Andrews Government has slammed the creators of Channel 10’s new reality show Hunted for ‘failing to apply for a permit’ before filming inside Victoria’s Metro rail network. 

Produced by Endemol Shine, Hunted follows 18 contestants going on the run as they try to avoid being captured by a team of former intelligence agents and police officers. 

Hunted, which was filmed in Victoria earlier this year, included several scenes filmed at Flinders Street Station and inside public train carriages.

Production was backed by government tourism agency Visit Victoria, who touted the show as a unique way to attract interstate visitors following the pandemic. 

Yet this week, the very same government publicly blasted producers for failing to adhere to red-tape regulations. 

Speaking to The Herald Sun, a spokesperson from Victoria Metro claimed Endemol Shine ‘did not apply for a permit prior to filming’ on the rail network. 

Hunted, which was filmed in Victoria earlier this year, included several scenes filmed at Flinders Street Station and inside public train carriages. Pictured is as a scene from Hunted filmed at Flinders Street Station 

Production was backed by government tourism agency Visit Victoria, who touted the show as a unique way to attract interstate visitors following the pandemic. Yet this week, the very same government publicly blasted producers for failing to adhere to red-tape regulations. Pictured is Victoria Premiere Dan Andrews

The Metro website stipulates that applicants must receive ‘express permission from Metro Trains Melbourne before accessing Metro premises for filming and photography’.

‘This is not acceptable as Metro has strict protocols in place for filming which should have been followed to ensure the safety of staff and passengers,’ the spokesperson said.  

‘We have written to the production company involved to remind them of their obligation to apply for a permit before filming.’

Speaking to The Herald Sun , a spokesperson from Victoria Metro claimed Endemol Shine ‘did not apply for a permit prior to filming’ on the rail network. Pictured are Hunted contestants buying tickets at Flinders Street Station on the show

The Herald Sun reported that Government authorities are ‘furious’ about the breach.  Pictured Hunted contestants 

The Herald Sun reported that Government authorities are ‘furious’ about the breach.

Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll also told the publication that ‘appropriate action’ had been taken to to prevent such a breach from happening again. 

The Andrews-led Victorian Labor Government has earned quite a reputation for its draconian regulations in recent years. 

Mr Andrews even earned himself the nickname ‘Dictator Dan’ for his hardline response to the Covid pandemic.

He dragged Victoria through the longest lockdown in the world after plunging the state into six lockdowns that lasted a consecutive 262 days.

The Andrews-led Victorian Labor Government has earned quite a reputation for its draconian regulations in recent years