The Victorian government’s controversial pandemic management bill has just passed the upper house of Victorian parliament.

The bill passed 20 votes to 18, with the support of four cross-bench MPs.

It means it is now all but certain to become enshrined in law, given the government’s clear majority in the lower house.

The legislation will come into effect from December 16.

The new laws will shift the responsibility for pandemic management from the Chief Health Officer to the Premier and Health Minister.

The bill underwent several amendments.

The State of Emergency expires on December 15.