Former Victorian top cop raises concerns over Andrews' omnibus bill

Former Victoria Police chief commissioner Kel Glare has criticised Premier Daniel Andrews’ proposed new powers as a “dangerous grab for unfettered power”.

The omnibus bill – which is currently before Victoria’s upper house – would grant the state government extraordinary powers to appoint anyone as an authorised officer, which would allow them to arrest anyone they suspect of breaching the chief health officer’s orders.

Mr Glare says the move is without just cause as the state’s coronavirus caseload continues to drop, and he is concerned over the vetting process of the officers following Melbourne’s bungled hotel quarantine program.

Former deputy police commissioner Noel Newman has joined Mr Glare in his criticism of the bill.

The Victorian government faces an uphill battle in the upper house – where Labor does not hold a majority – and will be forced to rely heavily on key crossbenchers.

The state recorded two new coronavirus deaths overnight with only seven new infections, marking the second time since mid-June that Victoria reported fewer than 10 cases.

Видео Former Victorian top cop raises concerns over Andrews' omnibus bill канала Sky News Australia