Ombudsman ‘pretty happy’ with the controversial pandemic bill in its current form

Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass says she’s “pretty happy” with the Andrews government’s controversial pandemic bill in its current form.

Ms Glass previously expressed concern over the lack of independent oversight and review in the legislation.

But she says recent amendments made to convince Transport Matters MP Rod Barton to vote for the legislation are “a significant improvement”.

“The government, I’m pleased to say, has now listened to the concerns I was expressing, particularly about independent oversight and independent review,” she told Neil Mitchell.

Ms Glass says there are two key amendments — an independent panel to review detention orders and a parliamentary joint special committee which isn’t controlled by the government — which, in her view, have improved the bill substantially.

“First of all, if you’re affected by a detention order you need to have a right to go to an independent place to have those matters considered. Where we’ve been until now … is there’s been a detention review system that’s sat within the Department of Health and couldn’t even make proper decisions,” she said.

“Now what we’ve got with this legislation is a new review panel that actually has independent members who are the ultimate decisionmakers.”

The second amendment Ms Glass says is important is the establishment of a new joint parliamentary committee that is not controlled by the government.

“That committee has the power to refer matters to the Ombudsman for investigation,” she said.

“These are extraordinary powers, they do need oversight, and this does provide … genuine oversight.

“I’m pleased the government has listened, finally listened.”

Press PLAY below to hear Ms Glass’s thoughts on the pandemic bill