A new campaign is seeking feedback on the Andrews Labor Government’s move to extend its power over the lives and livelihoods of every Victorian for the rest of 2021.
The State of Emergency powers give Daniel Andrews authority to make far-reaching decisions, including enforcing snap lockdowns, spending taxpayer dollars without oversight of the Parliament and to close our state’s borders.
The Nationals leader and Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, has launched a campaign calling on the community to have their say on the nine-month power grab.
“Our local businesses and communities suffered more trauma under the third lockdown, which was enforced with barely a moment’s notice,” Mr Walsh said.
“It left businesses forced to throw out tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of stock and volunteer-run community sports clubs bearing huge losses from events cancelled at the eleventh hour.
“The collateral damage in border communities has been crippling – clearly Daniel Andrews once again made a decision to suit Melbourne and never gave the rest of the state a second thought,” he said.
“Instead of learning from past mistakes, the Andrews Labor Government is repeating them.
“I can’t support this power grab that will force Victorians to spend the next nine months living in a state of uncertainty.
“The Nationals will propose month-by-month extensions to the State of Emergency powers – instead of the blank cheque Daniel Andrews is demanding.”
The State of Emergency vests enormous power with the Premier and a small number of unelected officials with very little capacity for oversight and accountability, which was proven last year with the effective shutdown of State Parliament.
With the Bill still up for debate in State Parliament, everyone living along the Murray is encouraged to provide their own feedback.
“Every Victorian is paying the price for Andrews’ arrogance, lies and cover ups of the failures in hotel quarantine,” Mr Walsh added.
“Even now, the Andrews Labor Government still refuses to release the public health advice behind the third lockdown.
“Daniel Andrews is drunk on power and he’ll say anything to keep it.”
Have your say at vic.nationals.org.au/have-your-say-labors-state-of-emergency-extension/
