Sky News Australia – Nov 16, 2021
The Victorian Government has struck a late-night deal to amend key points in its controversial pandemic management bill.
The Andrews Government reached an agreement with three crossbenchers which includes a requirement that the premier be “satisfied on reasonable grounds” that it is necessary to declare a pandemic.
Under the deal, the maximum financial penalty for not complying with a pandemic order with also be halved.
It follows concerns the draft bill allowed the state government to make orders on specific groups of people based on their characteristics – such as religion, age, sexuality or political activity.