What is a state of emergency and how does it differ from a public health emergency?

Australia’s federal and state governments have put in place strict measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The measures have been implemented under emergency and public health emergency regulations. Australia doesn't have power under the constitution to declare a national state of emergency, and so it’s the states that make these decisions for each jurisdiction. Most states and territories have emergency protocols in place, but it’s still unclear to many what they involve and how they affect our everyday lives.

Viktorias Premier Daniel Andrews. Source: AAP