Victoria’s proposed Pandemic Management bill. Where do a government’s rights begin and end in managing the community’s health?

It is acknowledged that governments have responsibilities in looking after public health. However, the Victorian Government’s intention to introduce a Pandemic Management bill has been subject to criticism ranging from violent protest to suggestion by the state’s Ombudsman that an independent body would be needed to oversee the way the law is used.

Melbourne Protestors. How can we explain the violence of recent protests in Melbourne? Source: Nov 17 Con Chronis/AAP PHOTOS.

Greg Barton,is Research Professor and Chair of Global Islamic Politics in the Alfred Deakin Institute at Deakin University.  Dr Moelyoto Pangestu is a lecturer and researcher in gynecology and midwifery at Monash University.  With Sri Dean they discuss the need for a Pandemic Management law and express hope for give and take in its development.

Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3 pm.

Follow us on Facebook and catch us on podcasts.

And you can keep abreast of the latest information about the corona virus in your language at sbs.com.au/coronavirus

Why has the Victorian government been stifled in achieving consensus on the Pandemic Management bill? Is it just politics? Source: 02 Nov Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.