Do masks work if you're not clean shaven?

I would say no. Not a half or full face one anyway. They won't seal properly.

Maybe a paper or cloth mask works differently? A big beard is going to hang under the mask and allow airflow in to circumvent the mask fabric.

The Vic government should be giving out proper scientific / medical advice about this matter.

Telling people it's OK to wear a home-made face covering is absolute tosh. That won't be effective at all.

They're letting down the people of Victoria again.

Easily the worst government in Australia by a wide margin. Congratulations Daniel Andrews and Co. you've won the raspberry.....