ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Daniel Andrews Forced To Abandon Press Conference After Protestors Threaten Safety

Daniel Andrews Forced To Abandon Press Conference After Protestors Threaten Safety

The Premier was whisked away from a planned news conference on the advice of Victoria Police.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Daniel Andrews has been forced to abandon a planned press conference in a regional Victorian town due to protestors.

The Premier had been touring through Bendigo and was meant to address reporters after unveiling the redevelopment of a TAFE college, however he had to make a last minute adjustment to the schedule.

News Corp reports Victoria Police had been monitoring Mr Andrews' movements throughout the visit and got concerned as the protestors zeroed in on the Premier's location.

Officers reportedly told the leader's team to abandon the press conference over safety concerns.

The small group of protestors had gathered to rally against the controversial pandemic bill submitted to the Victorian parliament as well as Covid-19 vaccine mandates.

Sky News Australia

Video footage uploaded to Twitter reveals the demonstrators were yelling 'kill the bill', 'vaccines, my body, my choice' and 'sack Dan Andrews' as the Premier was whisked away in a vehicle

The government's bill is aimed at replacing Victoria's current state of emergency powers.

These powers have been broadened during the course of the coronavirus pandemic and helped control what the state is allowed to ask of its citizens in relation to health orders.

The new legislation being suggested by the Victorian government will give the Premier greater power around declaring a pandemic as well as issuing health orders.

The Victorian leader would be able to confirm a pandemic after consulting with the state's Chief Health Officer (CHO).

They would be able to introduce health orders related to this declaration and extend it by three months at a time to indefinitely.

Michael Currie/Alamy Live News

The Herald Sun said the laws would let the government 'restrict movement, ban public gatherings, close businesses or order quarantine requirements as required'.

However, the legislation would require all health advice given to the government be made public and also tabled in parliament.

The Victorian Health Minister would be in charge of issuing special orders under a pandemic situation, which used to be a power owned by the chief health officer.

Victoria's CHO, Brett Sutton, was recently heckled by protestors who are opposed to the new bill.

Flanked by police officers as he left the Victorian parliament, Mr Sutton was called a 'rat dog' and a 'scumbag' for being part of the government's proposed plan.

In footage posted to social media, the pack of protestors followed the Victorian Chief Health Officer as he tried to leave.

Featured Image Credit: Sky News Australia

Topics: Australia

Choose your content: