The end of the pandemic is in sight. After two years of lockdowns, border closures, curfews and mask mandates, Australians are finally regaining the freedoms many us once took for granted.  

But just as governments throughout history have held on to increased power following wars and financial crises, some state political leaders – such as Victoria’s Daniel Andrews – are desperately clinging to the powers they’ve used during the pandemic.   

Earlier this week, the Andrews Government introduced the Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (Pandemic Management) Bill 2021.