New powers will allow Premier Dan Andrews to impose a state of emergency any time he likes - and Victorians face $90,500 fines or two years in jail if they protest.
Under the legislation, opposition MPs fear the premier could use public health orders to target individuals on age, gender, sexual orientation, political belief, or activity.
Under the new bill, the premier will be able to declare a pandemic even if there are no cases, and can extend the state of emergency for three months at a time.
The sweeping new pandemic laws which were tabled in parliament on Tuesday free the premier from having to get doctors to sign off on public health orders.
The premier would be able to declare a state of emergency and bring in new restrictions on public life whether or not his chief health officer agrees.
New powers will allow Premier Dan Andrews (pictured) to impose a state of emergency any time he likes - and Victorians face $90,500 fines or two years in jail if they protest
The dramatic escalation of the premier's powers have come under fire from the state's Opposition who branded Mr Andrews 'drunk on power'. (Pictured, a protester seized by police in Melbourne on Saturday)
The premier would also make the final call on implementing lockdowns, mask mandates and quarantine requirements.
Victorians could be fined up to $90,500 if they break the rules, with companies facing fines of up to $452,500.
The dramatic escalation of the premier's powers have come under fire from the state opposition, which branded Mr Andrews 'drunk on power'.
'Victorians are today witnessing the most extreme, dangerous and excessive laws ever brought before our state,' Liberal leader Matthew Guy said.
'Daniel Andrews is attempting to sideline the Victorian chief health officer and grant himself unchecked power.
'Why would the government pass such extreme legislation if they didn't intend to lock us down again?
'This is the most extreme law of its kind anywhere in Australia.
Under the rewritten fines law, individuals could be fined up to $90,500 if they break the rules, with companies facing fines of up to $452,500. (Pictured, Victoria Police on lockdown patrol)
'Placing so much power in the hands of one person, not the cabinet, not the parliament, but in the hands of the premier alone would be unprecedented.
'We see these laws as an incredible attack on democracy.'
Mr Andrews dismissed the criticism as 'political games' and insisted the powers were simply those that the opposition had been calling
