The Victorian state government have created the new bill to replace Victoria's State of Emergency laws, which were used during the COVID-19 pandemic, but had to be renewed every four weeks. The laws give the government the legal basis for lockdowns, mandatory mask-wearing, vaccine mandates and curfews.
The Victorian government said the new laws would be "purpose built" for a pandemic response. But in effect trample on the right to due process of the courts giving the Premier unprecedented powers. Below are the proposed amendments.