The Victorian has launched a bold attempt to extend the state of emergency until the end of the year.
Premier Daniel Andrews said on Tuesday that the government is planning to introduce a bill into parliament that will extend Victoria’s state of emergency past its maximum legislated period of 12 months.
The Premier declared a state of emergency in Victoria on March 16, 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
While it has been extended in four-week periods, the government will need to pass new laws if they want to extend it for longer than 12 months.
The bill will attempt to extend the state of emergency until December 15 this year.
It will allow the chief health officer to introduce directions that may help stop the spread of the virus.
This may include mask wearing restrictions or stay-at-home orders.
Mr Andrews stressed that the bill would not mean new rules will suddenly be introduced.
He clarified that the extension was needed for “legal certainty” for coronavirus measures.
“These rules are all about staying safe and staying open,” the Premier said.
“We can’t go to a situation where there are no rules.
“I’m very confident we will have that good faith, constructive discussion with any and all members of parliament who want to be engaged and that will get this passed.
“We can’t have mandatory quarantine unless we have a rule book, and you can’t have rules unless they’ve got legal authority, and that’s what the state of emergency gives us.
“This is not about new rules. This is just about keeping the current rules in place and potentially loosening them off as conditions continue to get better.”
