Mornington Peninsula coronavirus: Thousands against state of emergency extension
Premier Daniel Andrews has been accused of being “punch drunk on power” by angry Mornington Peninsula locals against a state of emergency boost. This comes as more than 22k sign petition against move.
South East
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A petition to stop a plan to extend the state of emergency by another 12 months has gathered 22,000 signatures in less than two days.
The plan, flagged by Premier Daniel Andrews on Monday, would mean existing restrictions including wearing masks, business closures, travel bans, quarantine arrangements and curfews could remain in place until September 2021.
The petition was started by Opposition leader Michael O’Brien and is backed by the Victorian Liberal Nationals.
It calls on people to oppose the “unprecedented power grab”.
“The State of Emergency vests enormous power with the Premier and a small number of unelected officials with little capacity for oversight and accountability,” the petition states.
“At a time of crisis, rather than bypassing parliament, the institutions we rely upon for our freedom and liberties are more important.
“No government should write itself a blank cheque for such extraordinary powers over Victorians’ lives and livelihoods.
“State of Emergency powers must only operate under appropriate safeguards and scrutiny.”
The petition is supported by Liberal MP for Hastings Neale Burgess.
In an email to Leader, Mr Burgess urged people to sign the online document.
“We need to get it over 25,000 (and beyond) as soon as possible to put even more pressure on Labor and the crossbenchers. in a bid to reach 25,000 signatures,” the email says.
Labor MP for Nepean Chris Brayne backed Mr Andrews’, saying it was not about extending Stage 4 restrictions.
“The State of Emergency provides the Chief Health Officer with additional powers to issue directions to help contain the spread of coronavirus,” Mr Brayne said.
“This includes requiring positive cases to isolate, the wearing of face masks and density limit rules in workplaces.
“The State of Emergency does not change how long the current lockdown lasts or increase restrictions in place.
A social media poll conducted by Leader attracted hundreds of comments from people against the extension.
Many feared the move was a “power grab” not an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus.
“Victorians have mostly been doing the right thing and this is reflected in the active numbers going down, so to say another 12 months extension is necessary is completely over the top and a cynical grab for more power,” Julie Sykes said.
“It’s too much to ask of people. We have had enough,” Valerie Russell posted.
Some suggested extended the state of emergency by three months to allow future decisions regarding the powers be made by full parliament.
“Why does (Dan Andrews) want 12 months without scrutiny by parliament?” Stuart Leaver posted.
Others went further, calling for Mr Andrews to resign.
“This guy is punch drunk on power, there is no need to change this law, it is unwarranted and not necessary, it’s time to go Dan, do us all a favour and resign,” Vincenzo Carusi posted.
Not everyone was against the plan with some concerned that the virus could “become rampant again”.
“If people could be trusted to do the right thing it would be OK but unfortunately that is not the case as there are too many selfish, stupid people,” Margaret Dennis posted.
“It’s not about power – it’s about the ability keep some things in place that will hopefully help prevent this again,” Tamara Wallington posted.
“They are focusing on quarantine at home if you test positive, covid safe work plans and possibly longer mask wearing in some cases – not extending the lockdown.”
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