How everyday Victorians could be entitled to CASH compensation for 'Dictator Dan's' lockdown - as embattled premier faces a revolt in parliament over draconian State of Emergency plans
- Victorians are being urged to seek compensation amid coronavirus lockdown
- Those who suffer loss can apply through the Public Health and Wellbeing Act
- Premier Daniel Andrews is looking to extend State of Emergency for 12 months
Victorians could be entitled to cash compensation for the coronavirus lockdown as Premier Daniel Andrews looks to extend the State of emergency.
Mr Andrews declared a State of Emergency on March 16, which is due to expire on September 13 after a maximum of six extensions.
But now the premier has provoked widespread outrage by trying to change legislation so it can be extended for a further 12 months.
Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson is urging families and businesses to seek compensation, claiming many Victorians have suffered loss because of the emergency powers.
Melburnians wear face masks as they walk across Princes Bridge on Tuesday (pictured) as the city continues its Stage 4 lockdown
Pictured: Royal Arcade mall in Melbourne's CBD is shut during Stage 4 lockdown
'For Victorians who've suffered loss from unreasonable state emergency restrictions, there's the option to pursue compensation,' she wrote on Twitter.
'The Public Health and Wellbeing Act provides this important right.
'Proud to stand up for those who need support including in regional communities.'
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Victorians who are disadvantaged by a decision from the Chief Health Officer can apply for compensation under the act - as long as they can prove there was 'insufficient grounds' to bring in the rules/
'A person who suffers loss as a result of a decision by the Chief Health Officer to give an authorisation to an authorised officer under this Division may apply to the Secretary for compensation if the person considers that there were insufficient grounds for the giving of that authorisation,' the act says.
If the claims are rejected, they can be appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson (pictured) is urging regional families and businesses to seek compensation, claiming many Victorians have suffered loss because of the emergency powers
Jim Penman (pictured), the founder of Jim's Mowing, is looking to take action on behalf of his franchisees who have struggled during the lockdowns
Jim Penman, the founder of Jim's Mowing, is looking to take action on behalf of his franchisees who have struggled during the lockdowns.
'The damage the premier's done with this arbitrary shutting down is just appalling and there's no benefit to the public,' he told Nine News.
'I hope we'll have thousands – we'll do everything we can to get every independent contractor in the state in a relevant industry.
'We're talking about tens of thousands of people, potentially.'
Former opposition leader Bill Shorten on Tuesday said Mr Andrews needs to 'calm the farm'.
Speaking to Nine's Today show, Mr Shorten said Mr Andrews needed to better explain the conditions of the State of Emergency and what it would mean for Victorians.
The pandemic sparked a State of Emergency declared on March 16, which is due to expire on September 13 after a maximum of six extensions (pictured, Melbourne on Tuesday)
Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured on Tuesday) wants to change legislation so it can be extended for a further 12 months
'I think the explanation is a lot more benign, but it's probably time for Dan the man to put his explaining skills on display today and just calm the farm,' he said.
'As I understand it, Daniel Andrews announced a State of Emergency. That's a lower level than a State of Disaster.'
Mr Shorten said the premier likely wanted to retain 'some powers' to get people to wear masks and ensure businesses maintain their COVID-safe plans while the virus is still a threat.
'But I think it would be handy if he cleared it up today. I think that figure of the 12 months had everyone freaking out last night,' he said.
Mr Andrews must strike a deal with crossbenchers to extend Victoria's State of Emergency after the opposition ruled out support.
Opposition Leader Michael O'Brien has ruled out supporting the bill, which almost all upper-house crossbench MPs oppose in its current form.
Victorians have been separated from the families and loved ones during Stage 4 lockdown. Pictured: Alfred Street public housing tower, which was put into lockdown in July
The premier said an extended State of Emergency would allow Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton to issue 'common-sense' directions to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
These include rules surrounding face masks, mass gatherings and quarantine, as well as density limits for businesses and workplaces.
He stressed the proposed extension did not mean stage four restrictions - also due to end on September 13 - will be in place for another year.
The premier said he was willing to work out a compromise with the crossbench before parliament sits on Tuesday. He will need four on side to pass the legislation.
Key crossbencher Fiona Patten earlier indicated she may support the bill 'if there was some compromise', while former federal senator Derryn Hinch said the two crossbenchers from his Justice Party may also support an amended bill.
An extended State of Emergency would allow Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton (pictured) to issue 'common-sense' directions to prevent the spread of coronavirus
But Liberal Democrats David Limbrick and Tim Quilty are urging their fellow crossbenchers not to negotiate a shorter extension with the government.
It comes as Treasurer Josh Frydenberg warns Australia's economy won't recover until the coronavirus outbreak in Victoria is brought under.
Treasury analysis released on Monday predicts the national jobless rate will climb above 13 per cent in the coming weeks, up from 9.9 per cent last month.
Mr Frydenberg blamed Victoria's lockdown and border closures for stifling the national jobs recovery, of which NSW is emerging as the leader.
'There is still a long way to go through this crisis and high frequency data is showing signs that the jobs recovery may be slowing as state border closures have been tightened,' he said.
Victoria Police in face masks patrol Melbourne's CBD on Tuesday (pictured) as the city endures its lockdown
