The state government's key decisions in its fight against COVID-19 would be reviewed by a new parliamentary committee under a compromise deal being considered to break the political impasse over Victoria’s state of emergency laws.
Premier Daniel Andrews says a 12-month extension of Victoria's stage of emergency is needed to get through the prolonged crisis and has pointed to the powers of other states, which are in effect open-ended.
But the year-long extension is a step too far for the vital upper house crossbench with a deal unlikely unless Mr Andrews and his colleagues agree to return to Parliament at least every six months to renew their authority to make state of emergency declarations.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos held lengthy talks with key crossbencher Fiona Patten on Tuesday night in an effort to hammer out a compromise that will allow the government’s legislation to pass State Parliament’s upper house next Tuesday or Wednesday.
Without a deal, the government would lose the legal right to enforce the Chief Health Officer’s directions on COVID-19 measures such as mandatory face masks and social distancing beyond September 13, when the present state of emergency expires.
Leader of the Reason Party Fiona Patten does not support a 12-month extension of the state of emergency without more oversight.Credit:Wayne Taylor
Ms Patten said the minister had shown a willingness to compromise, but the Reason Party MP added she and her colleagues would not accept an oversight committee dominated by Labor MPs and that it would have to be led by a member of the crossbench to gain acceptance.
"The minister indicated that the government would be willing to consider a plan that includes the extension of the state of emergency as approved by the majority of members of Parliament," Ms Patten said.
"Whether that be three, or a maximum of no more than 6 months, is still to be determined, as well as a COVID-19 Select Parliamentary Committee that can provide oversight into government decisions during the period of the state of emergency.
“The committee would be made up of crossbench, opposition and government members, with my preference that a crossbencher be appointed to the chair."
Mr Andrews said on Tuesday morning that his government was in "very productive" conversations with upper house MPs.
The government has said it would still be required to justify each four-week block for which an emergency declaration is required.
Mr Andrews reiterated that the extension being sought was unrelated to the duration of the current stage four lockdown, but would allow the government to continue enforcing rules including mask-wearing and COVID-safe plans for workplaces.
"The key to opening up is not going from stage four to stage zero where there are no rules … [It] covers simple things like risky industries, dangerous industries from a COVID-19 point of view, having compulsory safety plans, things like people who are positive having to stay at home for that 14 day period," he said.
"I can report to you that we're having very, very productive discussions with the crossbench, and I'm very hopeful that we will get an outcome that allows the Chief Health Officer to continue to do his important work."
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Noel Towell is State Political Editor for The Age
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMid2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRoZWFnZS5jb20uYXUvbmF0aW9uYWwvdmljdG9yaWEvc3RhdGUtb2YtZW1lcmdlbmN5LWRlYWwtdGFrZXMtc2hhcGUtd2l0aC1jcm9zc2JlbmNoZXJzLTIwMjAwODI2LXA1NXBndi5odG1s0gF3aHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAudGhlYWdlLmNvbS5hdS9uYXRpb25hbC92aWN0b3JpYS9zdGF0ZS1vZi1lbWVyZ2VuY3ktZGVhbC10YWtlcy1zaGFwZS13aXRoLWNyb3NzYmVuY2hlcnMtMjAyMDA4MjYtcDU1cGd2Lmh0bWw?oc=5
2020-08-26 03:08:00Z
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