The idea that a government could be handed near-absolute power to control the lives of citizens indefinitely ought to be unthinkable in Australia.  

But this will be the reality if the Andrews Victorian government is successful in ramming its new pandemic management legislation through the legislative council this week. 

In addition to the existing public health emergency powers, the Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (Pandemic Management) Bill 2021 would grant additional extraordinary and unchallengeable powers to the premier and health minister. 

The Bill would if passed give Daniel Andrews and his officials permanent dictatorial powers over Victorians.  

Under the proposal, the Premier would wield the power...