Estranged Labor MP Returns to Torpedo Victoria’s Controversial Pandemic Bill

Victorian government could be left without power to enforce public health orders

Adem Somyurek is seen outside his home in Melbourne, Australia, on June 16, 2020. AAP Image/Daniel Pockett

In a strange political twist, Adem Somyurek, estranged Labor MP and factional rival to the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews will return to Parliament vowing to torpedo the controversial Pandemic Bill—which has sparked ongoing protests and opposition from senior legal figures in the state.

Debate is currently underway for the Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (Pandemic Management) Bill, which passed Victoria’s lower house in late October and is set for a final upper house vote on Nov. 19.