Providing the health minister the power to make pandemic orders.

Allowing that pandemic status to be extended for up to three months at a time without a maximum time period.

Giving the premier the power to declare a pandemic.

The Victorian government says its proposed legislation will create 'purpose-built' laws for a pandemic. The proposed laws are designed to replace the State of Emergency, which has been used during this pandemic, but had to be renewed every four weeks. Catch up on the main COVID-19 news from November 16 with a look back at our blog What powers does the bill give and who gets them? So what exactly is involved in the Victorian government's pandemic bill being introduced into parliament today?Īnd why are the state government's critics so concerned? The Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy describes the proposed laws as 'an incredible attack on democracy.'

Victoria's Health Minister, Martin Foley, insists the legislation 'cements this Victorian Parliament and this public health response as the most accountable, transparent and public health-focused system in the Commonwealth'. When it comes to Victoria's proposed new pandemic laws there are some widely differing views.

Victoria 2 planned economy