Pandemic powers extension hits confidence

Liberal Party Victoria

There are new calls today to end Victoria’s pandemic declaration to return clarity, certainty and confidence to Victoria.

Speaking today, National Retailers Association CEO, Dominique Lamb, has called for the pandemic declaration to be scrapped, stating that “both business owners and consumers need certainty” and that people want to know that further lockdowns are not going to happen again.

Further, Mrs Lamb referred to other markets around the world that were moving safely beyond COVID-19, whilst Victoria maintained 2020-style lockdown laws.

Earlier this week, Daniel Andrews extended his emergency pandemic powers for a further three months until mid-October.

These laws give the Andrews Labor Government the power to impose a seventh lockdown, vaccine mandates, work from home orders, curfews, playground and business closures.

This three month extension comes as new Health Minister, Mary-Anne Thomas, this morning on 3AW refused to rule out imposing further masks and work from home restrictions.

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, David Southwick, said Victoria needs certainty to recover, not the spectre of more devastating lockdowns and mandates.

“It’s clear Daniel Andrews’ ongoing emergency powers are damaging Victoria’s reputation and holding back our recovery,” he said.

“Business needs certainty, shoppers need certainty, workers need certainty, communities need certainty. None of this can happen under endless emergency declarations.

“Instead of Labor’s big devastating lockdown laws, the Liberals and Nationals will manage COVID in a common sense way that gives local communities confidence.

“Only a Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will scrap Daniel Andrews’ pandemic laws and give Victorians the certainty they need to recover and rebuild.”

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