On May 24, 2022, the new South Australian government led by Premier Peter Malinauskas, as promised, allowed Grantly Stevens to end the state of emergency after 793 days – the first state to remove emergency powers.
The declaration of an Emergency which began on March 22, 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19 “gave the State Co-ordinator extraordinary powers to issue directions such as lockdowns, capacity restrictions and quarantine orders as the state sought to contain the spread of the virus.” [1]
The emergency could be lifted because on the same day the SA government passed amendments to the Public Health Act (2011) adding in “Part 11A – COVID-19 arrangements” which now provides these law makers the power to impose COVID-19 restrictions and rules upon South Australians with full “crown immunity“. [2]
“Cabinet’s Emergency Management Council (EMC) was informed [by whom?] it was now safe for Police Commissioner Grant Stevens to remove the pandemic laws ending his role overseeing the state’s COVID response.” [Cabinet’s EMC for 2020]
“We must remember that the lifting of the Major Emergency Declaration does not mean the pandemic is over.
We cannot be complacent. We must maintain vigilance to protect our community – that means getting vaccinated, wearing masks where required, getting tested if unwell, and quarantining while COVID positive.”
The new legislation was drafted “in consultation with the Emergency Management Council, which includes State Co-ordinator Grant Stevens and Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier.”
The government stated that school COVID-19 vaccination program begins this Friday [May 27], with hubs at 40 schools targeting children aged 5-11.” At this time 59% of 149,000 children in SA aged 5-11 years have had their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The government is promoting this so children “protect themselves against the disease”.
Public Health Act (2011) – “Part 11 – Management of significant emergencies” – BEFORE, – See Part 11A NOW (May 25, 2022)