Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews strikes deal to amend pandemic bill

The Victorian Government has struck a late-night deal to amend key points in its controversial pandemic management bill.

The Andrews Government reached an agreement with three crossbenchers which includes a requirement that the premier be "satisfied on reasonable grounds" that it is necessary to declare a pandemic.

Under the deal, the maximum financial penalty for not complying with a pandemic order with also be halved.

It follows concerns the draft bill allowed the state government to make orders on specific groups of people based on their characteristics - such as religion, age, sexuality or political activity.

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