The Liberal Nationals will today introduce a Private Members’ Bill to ensure increased transparency and accountability of the decisions made by the Chief Health Officer and the Andrews Labor Government.
Throughout the entire pandemic Victorians have been kept in the dark behind a veil of secrecy, this despite the unprecedented powers the Government gave itself to impose a State of Emergency and enforce restrictions and rule over the lives of Victorians.
The need for information was first raised as an adjournment in March 2020. Multiple FOIs have been submitted with the Labor Government blocking each and every one. Orders for documents have been carried by the Parliament directing the government to provide the background documents but have not been complied with.
This unacceptable level of secrecy has led to confusion and uncertainty about the rationale for the harsh restrictions imposed.
The Bill will simply require the Chief Health Officer to produce to Parliament documents upon which the decision is based to make a direction or order that imposes restrictions, while a State of Emergency exists. The Bill will also create a review mechanism where the CHO believes the production of certain documents would be contrary to the public health interest.
Victorians expect a level of transparency and accountability from their government and to date they have seen neither.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier:
“Victorians are increasingly skeptical and frustrated at being told what to do but not given the information upon which these life changing decisions are being made.
“The Andrews Labor Government must lift the veil of secrecy and that’s exactly what my Bill will do.
“Victorians are smart and deserve to know the truth.”
