Geelong crossbenchers could be critical to fate of State of Emergency extension powers
Support from two Geelong region MPs will be coveted by the government as it attempts to continue mandatory isolation of COVID positives, mandatory face coverings, gathering limits, and other related social restrictions.
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Support from two Geelong region MPs will be coveted by the government as it attempts to continue mandatory isolation of COVID positives, mandatory face coverings, gathering limits, and other related social restrictions.
Premier Daniel Andrews said Stage 3 rules, available under the State of Emergency setting due to hit its limit on September 13, would be in place for as long as they were needed.
He’s now seeking the ability to change or impose restrictions until September next year via a Bill to be introduced to parliament next week.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said the extension was recommended by the government’s public health team, and was made because of the virus’s potential to spread and the likelihood of a vaccine being delivered.
“They’ve recommended we need another 12 months to allow a COVID normal environment to exist,” Ms Mikakos said.
“Even if we get down to zero cases later this year we will still need to have some minimal rules in place.”
Ms Mikakos said without the rules those with COVID-19 would be free to move in public.
The government’s ability to extend its powers to enforce restrictions will rely on support from parliament’s 12 upper house crossbenchers including the Animal Justice Party’s Andy Meddick, and Victorian leader of Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party, Stuart Grimley.
On Tuesday Mr Meddick said he was yet to decide if he supported the government’s Bill or if an alternative time frame was needed.
“I am giving a lot of thought to the length of time that might be required here, if I was to choose to support the Bill,” Mr Meddick said.
“I am concerned about the mental health impacts of any extension.
“If we don’t extend it by whatever means, one month, three months, six months or 12 months, on the 13th of September it becomes open slather.
“People who are COVID positive can walk out of their house ... and do whatever they want because there is no Act that hands the chief health officer the power (to restrict movement).”
Mr Grimley said he did not support a 12-month extension and hinted three months was appropriate.
“We do believe that (the 13th of September) when the state of emergency is due to end is probably a bit too soon.
“I just don’t think as a community we are ready (to have no social restrictions in place).
“I fear if we are going to lift restrictions too soon then we may just find ourselves in a third wave.
“Having a state of emergency doesn’t mean we have restrictions it just means that the health department has options to impose restrictions... at any time they can so ‘no more restrictions’.”
Mr Grimley said more government funding should flow to businesses, those out of work and mental health support while the state of emergency was in place.
Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien has ruled out supporting the extension. A vote on the Bill is expected early next week.
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Originally published as Geelong crossbenchers could be critical to fate of State of Emergency extension powers