Neil Mitchell grills Health Minister over lack of independent oversight in pandemic laws

Victoria’s Health Minister Martin Foley maintains there is sufficient independent oversight embedded in the state’s controversial pandemic laws, as critics slam the legislation for only including a parliamentary committee for review of detention powers.

Ombudsman Deborah Glass says the amended laws don’t “provide the level of independent oversight that … this legislation needs.”

But when grilled by Neil Mitchell over the lack of oversight, Mr Foley said he’s confident a parliamentary committee will review detention powers effectively.

“There is a long proud history of parliamentary committees in this state holding governments to account,” he told Neil Mitchell.

NEIL MITCHELL: “So they wouldn’t vote along party lines, you’re telling me, for the first time in history?”

MARTIN FOLEY: “Absolutely. The parliamentary committees take their roles incredibly seriously and I think your comments aren’t accurate.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full fiery interview

Image: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

The concerns the Victorian Ombudsman still has about Victoria’s amended pandemic bill