Andrews Government pushes ahead with controversial Omnibus bill
Negotiations over the controversial Omnibus Bill are under way with key crossbench MPs, who say they are willing to negotiate with the Andrews Government to get the Bill through parliament.
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The Andrews Government is again courting the crossbench MPs who helped pass its State of Emergency extension as it attempts to pass another controversial Bill.
Negotiations over the Omnibus Bill are under way with key upper house members, including Vote Reason’s Fiona Patten, Greens’ leader Samantha Ratnam and the Animal Justice Party’s Andy Meddick.
All have raised major concerns with clauses that create new authorised officers to police health orders, and changes that allow the pre-emptive detainment of people unlikely to self-isolate.
It comes as the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists became the latest group to speak out against the controversial legislation clauses.
Victorian Branch Chair Dr Kerryn Rubin warned the changes would pose a danger to people suffering mental illness or living with a disability.
Last month, a group of former judges and QCs called for the legislation to be opposed.
Despite concerns the state government is pushing ahead with the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Bill, which contains crucial measures needed to keep critical government and legal functions running during the pandemic – such as the court system and elements of the parliament – adding to the pressure to pass the legislation.
Ms Patten told the Herald Sun there is “a lot that is needed in this bill” but some elements “represent unnecessary overreach”.
“There are problems with this bill, that’s for sure, and as it currently sits I can’t vote for it,” she said.
“Any powers that impinge upon human rights should be the least restrictive necessary to achieve their object – these news powers don’t fit within that matrix at all.
“I have made clear to the government what changes I want to see, and they are actively coming up with solutions that may accommodate my concerns.”
Daniel Andrews on Tuesday said there was “no update” on the negotiations with upper house members.
The bill passed the lower house in September and is due to be voted on in the Legislative Council in October.
Former Labor MP Adem Somyurek has indicated he will abstain from all legislative votes meaning only three votes will be needed to pass the bill.
However, after former Health Minister a Jenny Mikakos’ shock parliament resignation last week the government will need to replace her before the vote is held or struggle to find a fourth crossbench member to support.
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