Melbourne was once crowned as the world’s most liveable city, but after 262 days in lockdown, it seems to be losing its hype
Tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Melbourne to protest against the Victorian government’s proposed pandemic bill, which is set to be pushed through parliament this week.
The legislation has already passed through the lower house, however the opposition is now proposing 18 new amendments be made.
Those alterations include limiting the extensions of pandemic declarations to one month as well as requiring advice from the Chief Health Officer to be tabled in parliament and adding a right to appeal to VCAT for any person that is impacted by a pandemic order.
Should the bill pass, it will give Premier Daniel Andrews and Health Minister Martin Foley unprecedented powers when it comes to a pandemic
In other words, the bill will give the Premier and Health Minister the power to declare a pandemic and issue public health orders rather than the chief health officer.
Opposition leader Matthew Guy says the plan for the city of Melbourne and the state of Victoria should be on recovery – “not plans for more lockdowns.”
Video published to social media shows protesters displaying an inflatable icon of Daniel Andrews on a makeshift gallows.
Political leaders have since condemned the footage, believed to be filmed last night. Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese slammed the violent images on display, saying violence has “no place” in democracy.
“Peaceful protest is a fundamental right in our democracy,” Mr Albanese said.
Protests are set to continue throughout the week
The protests, which coincided with the vaccination mandate being made official in Victoria for all construction workers, saw children holding signs that read “Sack Dan Andrews” and speeches from controversial figures including MP Craig Kelly.
Meanwhile the state of Victoria is set to see new freedoms at the end of the week, with the state on track to reach its 90 percent vaccination target.
