Strict state of emergency laws – which allows for coronavirus restrictions and lockdowns to be enforced – will be extended until December in Victoria.
Draft government amendments were on Tuesday morning circulated to MPs outlining changes following negotiations with Greens and key cross benchers so the government can extend the powers for nine months.
The negotiations included future COVID-19 fines for young people being drastically reduced, and the introduction of an appeals process for people subject to detention orders.
The State of Emergency is the “legal instrument” that allows for rules to be made including lockdowns, mandatory face masks, rules about COVIDSafe work plans and density limits in pubs and cafes.
Labor on Tuesday secured the support of at least three crossbench MPs to pass the legislation, with all three confirming they would back the Bill.
Animal Justice MP Andy Meddick said that denying the extension powers would be “dangerous for Victorians”.
“Having consulted widely on this issue, I am confident that this extension of the State of Emergency powers for a nine month period is not just reasonable, but mandatory,” he said.
“I am pleased to hear that the government has listened to myself and others, and will in fact introduce pandemic specific legislation, making this the last time we will need to extend the State of Emergency for this or any other pandemic in Victoria.
“I applaud them for making it clear that demonstrations will be allowed, excessive fines will be reviewed, especially for those on low incomes and young people.”
The Animal Justice Party’s Andy Meddick said denying the State of Emergency extension powers to the government would be “dangerous for Victorians”. Picture: Glenn Ferguson
Reason Party MP said she would support the Bill, telling parliament that to not support it would be the “morally wrong thing to do”.
“This is our state, we have a responsibility to do what’s right,” she said.
“I would’ve liked to see this legislation introduced six months ago in October ... when we recognised that COVID-19 is not going to leave us any time soon ... we need these cautions, we need these measures.”
Reason Party MP said she would support the Bill, telling parliament that to not support it would be the “morally wrong thing to do”. Picture: Andrew Henshaw/NCA NewsWire
Greens MP Samantha Ratnam will also support the nine-month extension, following the government’s amendments to the Bill.
“While COVID is still a risk in the community we must continue to keep people safe, but that shouldn’t come at the expense of people’s democratic rights and rights to social justice,” she said.
“That’s why the Greens will support a nine-month extension to the state of emergency, on the proviso that we work on new laws that mean this is the last time the state of emergency is used for COVID in Victoria, and on the condition that the Government reduces fines for young people and implements important recommendations from the Ombudsman’s inquiry into the public housing lockdown.”
Legislation has already passed the Labor-controlled lower house, with debate resuming in the upper house on Tuesday afternoon where Opposition MP David Davis dubbed the Bill “draconian of the highest order”.
He called for the extension to be subject to a monthly review.
“The government always resorts to harsh lockdowns, harsh closures and massive damage to business and mental health of communities … when alternate models are available,” Mr Davis said.
“The unaccountable and unmitigated powers they seek under state of emergency is the wrong approach.”
Opposition MP David Davis dubbed the Bill “draconian of the highest order”. Picture: Ian Currie/NCA NewsWire
The government must this week reach a deal with the upper house on the powers, which are set to expire on March 15.
Victoria has been under a state of emergency since March 16 last year.
Debate will continue in parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
ANTHONY PIOVESAN STATE POLITICAL REPORTER Anthony Piovesan is the News Corp NewsWire's Victorian state political reporter.
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