Victoria’s controversial pandemic bill explained
The Briefing17 Nov 2021

Victoria’s controversial pandemic bill explained

Five million people in Melbourne emerged from lockdown in late October after spending a world record 262 days in lockdown. The Victorian Parliament is expected to pass strict new laws this week to deal with future pandemics.

Victoria's Health Minister, Martin Foley, insists the legislation "cements this Victorian Parliament and this public health response as the most accountable, transparent and public health-focused system in the Commonwealth". The Opposition Leader Matthew Guy describes the proposed laws as "an incredible attack on democracy."

The Briefing’s Annika Smethurst who is also The Age newspaper’s Victorian political correspondent, joins us to talk through the laws. Why they’re dominating news….and what they’ll mean for the Andrews government heading to an election in late 2022.

Todays Headlines

  • Former Labor minister to vote against VIC pandemic laws
  • Police seize car as extra resources deployed in Tyrell search
  • Newborn among latest NT cases as Gunner warns outbreak will worsen
  • Labor promising faster internet for more in NBN revamp

  • Britney Spears speaks out after conservatorship is scrapped

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