The public is rightly outraged and they are scared and fed up. They know we will be living in a state of COVID for a very long time but they do not want to be living in a constant state of emergency. | OPINION by Reason Party leader Fiona Patten.
Premier Daniel Andrews’ move to extend the current state of emergency out to 18 months was mishandled from the moment he stepped up to the podium on Monday, in the latest episode of the mandatory television viewing that has become Victorians’ Daily Dose of Dan.
The state of emergency gives the government extraordinary powers - an almost unchecked ability to make new laws and override existing laws administratively, without Parliament. To extend those powers to 18 months, without checks and balances is a misstep. In my view it’s an overreach.
If that cannot happen, an extension of a state of emergency, could be achieved in a safer and more democratic way - with appropriate checks, balances and oversight. I want to see this bill re-drafted to permit three, or possibly six month extensions, but only if supported by a majority in Parliament.
When someone can have a sexual partner to their home for the evening but can’t have just one friend or relative at a safe distance at their residence for a meal, the mental health impacts of which cannot be underestimated, then something is wrong. Restrictions like this are an example of why we cannot be allowing the government to continue without the oversight of the Parliament and to take input from the community.
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