Daniel Andrews says extension of emergency powers gives the government some certainty
By Leonie Thorne
Premier Daniel Andrews says the legal framework the state of emergency provides is important as "this is not over".
Victoria's state of emergency was due to expire this month, but a nine-month extension passed parliament late last night after the government secured support from crucial crossbenchers in the Upper House.
The state of emergency is what makes the CHO's directions, such as wearing masks on public transport and requiring international arrivals to quarantine, enforceable.
The Opposition described the extension as giving the government a "blank cheque" with "no serious checks on powers".
Mr Andrews says the extension gives the government some certainty.
"The rules are not there for any reason other than to keep us safe and keep the place open," he said.
"If we could have no rules at all then that would be fine, and if this was over by simply giving a speech in parliament or passing a law, then we would've done that a while ago."
He says the challenge of coronavirus is still "very real" and more complex as the virus is changing.
Having the legal framework to implement restrictions if needed is a "good thing" and a "fundamental recognition that this is not over", Mr Andrews said.
The Premier says Health Minister Martin Foley will speak about the state of emergency in more detail later.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMibmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIxLTAzLTAzL2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLWF1c3RyYWxpYS1saXZlLW5ld3MtY292aWQtMTktbGF0ZXN0LXZpY3RvcmlhLWZpbmVzLzEzMjA4ODM40gEA?oc=5
2021-03-03 01:31:56Z
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