Prominent legal figures are continuing their vocal opposition to impending pandemic laws that will allow the government to “rule the state of Victoria by decree.” The letter, signed by 59 members of the Victorian Bar, warned that the Public Health and Wellbeing (Pandemic Management) Bill 2021 gave “unlimited and practically unreviewable power” to the health minister and premier. It follows earlier concerns raised by Christopher Blanden Q.C., the president of the Bar Association, in an internal newsletter to members. The Bill would allow the Victorian premier to place the state under a “pandemic declaration” when he is satisfied there is a serious risk to public health. These declarations can last three months at a time and can be renewed as many times as possible. When a declaration is in force, pandemic orders can be issued where it is deemed “reasonably necessary to protect public health.” “Not only is this threshold …