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Explainer: what is a ‘state of disaster’ and what powers does it confer?
A “state of disaster” has been declared for the whole of Victoria from 6pm, Sunday August 2, for a month.
How is this different from the existing “state of emergency” and what powers does it give the Andrews government?
- Anne Twomey
- The Conversation
What is the difference between a state of emergency and a state of disaster?
Victoria has been in a state of emergency since March 16 2020.
This is a declaration that is made under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, where there is a serious risk to public health.
The Act confers wide-ranging powers on the Chief Health Officer. These include the power to…