Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Op-ed by Leader of The Nationals Peter WalshState of Emergency powers must only operate under appropriate safeguards, scrutiny and checks and balances. By Portal Admin - 15th September 2020 - Back to News Daniel Andrews has launched an unprecedented power grab over the lives of Victorians.
After weeks of speculation, the Premier confirmed on Monday that Labor will put legislation to State Parliament to extend the Government’s State of Emergency powers.
It’s a draconian move that should send a shiver down the spine of every Victorian.
The State of Emergency hands enormous power to the Premier and a small number of unelected officials with very little oversight and accountability.
There’s a reason it’s strictly limited to a maximum of six months – because no government should be able to write itself a blank cheque for extraordinary powers over Victorians’ lives and livelihoods.
But this is exactly what Daniel Andrews wants to do.
Under the State of Emergency powers, the Andrews Labor Government has forced countless Victorian businesses to close indefinitely and put hundreds of thousands of Victorians out of work.
This same power has stopped us getting out hunting, fishing, golfing, horse riding, bush walking, prospecting and 4wding.
It’s effectively shut down the lower house of State Parliament and stopped MPs from being our community’s voice in the halls of power.
It’s brought community sport to a standstill, stopped our kids going to school and from getting their drivers licence.
It’s hamstrung our food supply chain with strict workforce restrictions imposed on meat processors and food distribution centres and led to massive problems with the movement of seasonal farm workers.
There’s no argument that we need to do everything we can to stop the spread of this deadly virus.
But the Liberal Nationals will not support any move by the power-hungry Premier to have open ended control over Victorians’ lives and livelihoods.
With low to zero case numbers in many parts of regional Victoria and active case numbers tracking downwards, we should be looking to a plan to reopen our state as soon as it’s safe to do so – not staring down the barrel of indefinite lockdowns.
We’ve watched as other states settle into a ‘COVID normal’, while Victoria remains the national pariah all because of a second wave that’s been almost entirely linked back to the Andrews Labor Government’s shambolic mismanagement of hotel quarantine in Melbourne.
State of Emergency powers must only operate under appropriate safeguards, scrutiny and checks and balances.
Any attempt by the Andrews Labor Government to give itself indefinite powers is dangerous to our democracy and will not be supported by the Liberal Nationals.
We want to hear from our communities on what you think. To have your say, visit our petition at vicn.at/stopdan
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025. - Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets. - Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Melina Bath urges Labor government to scrap emergency services tax as VFF survey shows farmers' frustration and concern
The Nationals' Melina Bath urged the Allan Labor government to scrap the emergency services tax, citing VFF survey findings showing widespread financial, mental, and regulatory pressures on Victorian farmers. - Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads. - Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection. - David Littleproud warns vegetable growers of crisis as compliance costs soar, confidence collapses and exits loom
Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability. - David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture. - David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry. - David Littleproud slams Labor's 2035 emissions reduction target as costly, and damaging to families, jobs, and communities
Nationals leader David Littleproud criticised Labor's 2035 emissions target as reckless and costly, warning it would raise taxes, increase energy bills, hurt regional communities, and threaten jobs, families, and industries. - David Littleproud says farmers won major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds
Nationals Leader David Littleproud says farmers have won a major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds. - Bass Coast launches energy resilient hubs and emergency dashboard to strengthen community preparedness and recovery
Bass Coast Shire Council has launched Energy Resilient Community Hubs and an Emergency Dashboard to boost preparedness, strengthen local resilience, and keep communities safe, connected, and supported during emergencies and power outages.
|
|
