Victoria's controversial pandemic bill set to pass as government secures extra vote from crossbencher - 9News

Victoria's controversial pandemic bill could pass today after a crossbencher confirmed he would support an amended version of the legislation.

Transport Matters MP Rod Barton has agreed to vote in favour of the contentious bill with the Victorian Government in order to get it over the line.

His vote means the bill could pass as soon as today in a race against time, with the state of emergency powers to end on December 15.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has said the bill is necessary given the pandemic. (Getty)

Mr Barton's vote relies on six amendments being made to the bill, including the establishment of a joint parliamentary committee to review public health orders and an independent panel to review appeals to detention under public health orders.

Speaking while walking into State Parliament, Premier Daniel Andrews said the pandemic bill encompassed the "rules we need", with the new Omicron variant highlighting the COVID-19 pandemic was far from over.

"If we want to protect those who are not vaccinated, can't get vaccinated, in aged care, have underlying health conditions - this is not over," he said.

A statement from the Victorian Government said the emergency powers were needed to keep the state safe.

"Over the past fortnight, we offered negotiations to the entire crossbench, giving them the opportunity to work with us on changes to this bill that would ensure Victoria has such a framework in place," the statement read.

"These were rigorous negotiations — and we thank Rod Barton, who came to the table in good faith."

People protest against the pandemic bill in Melbourne. (The Age)

The pandemic bill has sparked a month of protests in Melbourne CBD and outside State Parliament, with a strong police presence manning the area this morning.

Crossbench MP Clifford Hayes said he would not support the bill after a "series of discussions" with the government.

"From the outset, I believed that the Bill was fundamentally flawed and a massive overreach of power," he said.

"But I always understood the need for a pandemic framework.

"Over the past week, the government has negotiated in good faith and made a number of commendable amendments to the Bill.

"I would argue that myself and my colleague, Rod Barton, fought hard and long for these changes; but the final position of the government was not enough to garner my support."

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2021-11-29 22:08:35Z
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