MEMBER for Northern Victoria Tim Quilty has accused the Victorian Government of being “drunk on the power” as it pushes to extend its state of emergency by a maximum of 12 months to combat the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
And Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien said the state coalition would vehemently oppose a long-term extension that would allow the government to unilaterally keep Victoria locked down.
The state had 15 more deaths on Monday, the number of new cases plummeted to 116 – the lowest it has been since 74 on July 5.
That was also the last time the number was under 100.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the state of emergency would be reviewed every four weeks, but parliament must approve the change.
As the legislation stands, the state of emergency can only run for six months.
That runs out on September 13, when Melbourne’s stage-four lockdown is due to end and regional Victoria is also scheduled to come out of stage-three rules.
“I would love nothing more for there to be no need for any rules on September 14, but I don’t think that is the reality,” Mr Andrews said.
Mr O’Brien is willing to support intermittent extensions every four weeks as required, but only if they come before parliament.
“The alternative would be a strictly time-limited small extension with accountability, with checks, with balances to make sure the civil liberties of Victorians aren’t being unnecessarily abused,” he said.
“We have to be sure that any extension of these extraordinary powers is justified and how can we be sure about that unless the parliament sits.”
Liberal Democrats Member Tim Quilty said he would fight Mr Andrews’ attempts to extend emergency powers for 12 months.
“The emergency powers are being used to control the Victorian people,” Mr Quilty said.
“Instead of using persuasion and common sense, the Government has gotten drunk on the power they have to force compliance.
“Our communities are being smashed, small business owners are going under, students are suffering disrupted educations and mental health and wellbeing are being completely ignored.
“And for what?
“Our civil liberties have been steadily eaten away and the Andrews Government proudly tells us we are to suffer even more.
“Enough is enough.”
Mr Quilty said the message to the Premier will be simple. “No. No more. It has to stop. I don’t trust you with these powers.”
The original state of emergency was declared in March as Victoria’s first outbreak struck and has been extended six times.
The state of emergency is separate to the state of disaster declared on August 2.
