The Victorian Government’s controversial pandemic laws have officially passed the upper house of state parliament set to replace the state of emergency powers.
The new set of laws passed with 20 votes ‘yes’ to 18 against, with the support of four crossbenchers.
Following weeks of protests and marathon sittings in order for amendments to be approved, Daniel Andrews’ pandemic-specific legislation appears to be going through.
The bill, which will provide the government the legal framework it needs to manage health emergencies, including vaccine mandates and mask rules as well as fines will need to go to the lower house for final approval, however, that is where the government holds a majority.
The state’s current state of emergency powers are set to expire on 15 December while should the new legislation pass, Victoria’s premier and health minister will be granted the power to declare a pandemic and enforce restrictions.
While fears over the risks that come with the new ‘Omicron’ variant loom, several citizens have taken to social media expressing their concerns for future lockdowns.