Dan Andrews must rely on the crossbench to pass controversial pandemic laws

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is likely to need the support of the crossbench in order to pass sweeping new pandemic powers in the state’s parliament.

The controversial pandemic legislation is one vote away from passing a month out from the Victoria’s State of Emergency powers expiring.

It’s understood Mr Andrews is in desperate talks with the crossbench to try and gain enough support for the Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (Pandemic Management) Bill 2021 before the deadline.

Former Labor powerbroker Adem Somyurek indicated this week that he would re-enter the parliament for just the second time in more than a year to vote against the legislation.

The Government has temporarily adjourned debate on the bill.

Luke Grant spoke to one of the key crossbench voters, Rod Barton from the Transport Matters Party.

The Party Leader and representative for the Eastern Metropolitan region said he will not support the legislation in its current form.

But he says the Government will need to present the bill in some form, or else it will be left without any pandemic management powers.

He’s told Luke what changes he would like to see occur to the bill before he will vote in favour.

Click play below to listen to the full interview.