Member for Mallee Anne Webster has criticised Victorian premier Daniel Andrews' ploy to extend the state's coronavirus state of emergency declaration by a year.
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A state of emergency has been in place in Victoria since March 16. It gives the state government special powers and resources, in this case to restrict mass gatherings and enforce self-isolation.
The government also declared states of emergency and disaster during the 2019-20 summer bushfire season, allowing them to force people to evacuate.
The current pandemic emergency declaration is due to expire on September 13 after a maximum of six extensions.
In a statement, Dr Webster said she did not want to see regional Victoria "forced back into further unnecessary wide-ranging restrictions".
"My constituents are angry and frustrated," she said.
"They don't understand why the Premier wants to keep a State of Emergency in place for another year. Regional communities need to have confidence they can get back to work, back to school and back to all the other places they need to be."
Dr Webster said residents had inundated her office with telephone calls, emails, social media posts and letters since Mr Andrews announced his plan at a press conference earlier this week.
She called on the state parliament to "stand up to" the Premier.
"The Parliament of Victoria cannot let these restrictions go on for a moment longer than is absolutely necessary, or without explanation and full disclosure of the facts," she said.
Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has confirmed the Victorian Nationals, as part of the state opposition, will oppose the extension legislation.
Mr Andrews wants a year-long extension, but without the support of the state opposition, needs at least four crossbench MPs for the legislation to pass.
The premier has said the proposed extension does not mean stage four restrictions will last another year and rules would only remain "for so long as it is necessary".
The Mail-Times has contacted western Victoria government MP Jaala Pulford for further comment.
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Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
