COVID-19 Emergency Response

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (15:13): My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding health. Given that the powers of the State Coordinator that underpin many of the government's pandemic health and safety measures are due to lapse any day, can the minister advise whether there is a risk of legal challenges to the current COVID emergency directions once the powers expire? Has the minister made any representations to his cabinet colleagues to extend the emergency powers just as we see new variants enter Australia?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (15:14): With all due respect, I think the powers the honourable member refers to relate to an act of the parliament which is scheduled to lapse at the end of today. They are not directions under the Emergency Management Act. If the honourable member wants to inquire about that act, that is an appropriate question to direct to the Attorney-General. If the honourable member, rather, has an inquiry about any directions, they are matters under the Emergency Management Act and are the responsibility of the Premier.