Inquiry into the Victorian Government’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Respecting and protecting human rights have become more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Liberty Victoria recognises that the scale and severity of the crisis has required a response that necessarily limits the human rights and liberties of all Victorians. Sensibly, the focus of the response has been focused on saving lives. However, Liberty Victoria is concerned that there are examples where the COVID-19 response — either through the design of regulation or through the actions of public authorities — has been disproportionate.

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Covid-19 and Human Rights
Coronavirus and Human Rights
Victorian Government State of Disaster and Human Rights

Liberty Victoria calls for limit on State of Emergency Extension

Submitted by Liberty Victoria on Tue, 25/08/2020 - 09:25

Liberty Victoria is concerned by reports that the Government is considering changing the law so that Victoria’s current state of emergency can be extended for a further 12 months.

At present, Victorian law ensures that a state of emergency cannot last more than 6 months. The current state of emergency, declared on 16 March 2020, is therefore due to expire in mid-September.

The current 6-month limit exists for a good reason. The declaration of a state of emergency imposes extraordinary limits on Victorians’ human rights.

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Victorian State of Emergency Extension
State of Emergency

Amendments contained in the Emergency Extension Bill go beyond what is strictly necessary.

Submitted by Liberty Victoria on Wed, 26/08/2020 - 09:24

Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment

(State of Emergency Extension and Other Matters) Bill (Vic) – Exposure Draft

 

Liberty Victoria makes the following comments on the Exposure Draft of the Health and Wellbeing Amendment (State of Emergency Extension and Other Matters) Bill (Vic) (the Bill). The Bill proposes amendments to the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (Vic) (the Act).

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