The Victorian Government's decision to extend the state of emergency has prompted fierce debate about the tension between emergency powers and normal democratic processes. But other jurisdictions can make an extension without going to Parliament.
Once a state of emergency has been declared, the act gives the Chief Health Officer expansive powers to issue directions and take actions to manage risks to public health, such as the power to detain people, restrict their movement within the state and prevent anyone from entering Victoria.
Victoria is the only state or territory in Australia that caps the total time period during which a state of emergency can be in force. : that is, to lengthen the total period over which a state of emergency declaration could continue for COVID-19.
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