Victorian government agrees to changed proposed pandemic bill - ABC News

The Victorian government has agreed to make significant amendments to its pandemic bill after discussions with cross benchers.

Key points:

• The Victorian government says the proposed legislation will create purpose-built laws
• The Opposition Leader says they are an overreach and there have been demonstrations against them
• Cross benchers have supported the amendments ahead of parliament this week

The proposed laws are designed to replace the State of Emergency, which has been used during this pandemic, but had to be regularly renewed.

The Victorian government has said the proposed legislation will create "purpose-built" laws for a pandemic which are no broader than other states and territories.

However Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has described the proposed laws as "an incredible attack on democracy" and protesters have have railed against the bill.

State Health Minister Martin Foley outlined amendments to the proposed pandemic laws ahead of parliament this week.

The amendments increases the threshold for the Premier to declare a pandemic, reduce the time it would take for the advice behind orders to made be public and the maximum fines for breaching health orders have been halved.

How Victoria's pandemic laws will work

Premier Daniel Andrews is defending the proposed pandemic laws, which have drawn the ire of some and been welcomed by others. So how will these proposed laws work? And why are some critics concerned?

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An oversight committee would also be able to consider pandemic orders once they are made, not only when it is tabled in Parliament, and human rights protections will also be strengthened.

"The new pandemic laws will provide a clear framework for managing pandemics such as COVID-19 – while putting the safety of all Victorians first," Mr Foley said in a statement.

"We have engaged extensively with some of the most trusted leaders in public health, human rights and law and policy making – and the amendments reflect that consultation."

Cross benchers have supported these amendments.

Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick said that the pandemic is not over and the laws are needed to protect the community.

"These changes will ensure Victoria has the most transparent and accountable pandemic management framework in the country," Mr Meddick said.

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2021-11-15 13:12:31Z
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