Hansard debates

Mrs McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:46): My question is for the Minister for Health and concerns the continued COVID-inspired restriction on the number of friends and family able to attend funerals of their loved ones in Victoria. Funeral services still have to adhere to a 2-square-metre rule, and consequently venues in Grovedale, Highton, Moolap and Geelong are being forced to operate at only 50 per cent capacity. It has been reported today that mourners are routinely asked to wait outside as a result. My question to the minister is: when will this change? We have seen large crowds in the tens of thousands at AFL games, music events and Melbourne Comedy Festival venues. Funeral directors are capable of operating appropriate mitigation, particularly given the lack of case transmission for 60 days now and the continued vaccination program. When will the minister lift the funeral capacity restrictions?