He does not plan to change what the Liberals formerly had in place, including getting vaccinated and carrying a mask at all times, even if they aren’t mandatory.
“Throughout the pandemic, I backed in the health advice. That’s something we were consistent on,” the state Labor leader told AAP on Sunday.
“We intend to continue to follow the health advice but also make sure that it is done in a way that is considered and tested against other variables.”
Currently, 95 percent of South Australians over 12 years old have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 92.7 percent have received their second dose. In addition, boosters have been administered to 69.3 percent of eligible South Australians.
Malinauskas met with senior health officials and the police commissioner on Tuesday and announced an amendment of the state’s Emergency Management Act, which covers measures and restrictions including mask mandates, lockdowns, and density limits.
The changes are aimed at increasing the state’s power and expediting the decisions it makes at meetings.
“The act is not fit for purpose for a global pandemic that lasts for two years,” he said.
“And I don’t want to chair a committee that doesn’t make decisions. I seek to chair meetings that make decisions … and hence the policy change.”
Malinauskas is also encouraging more people to get the COVID-19 booster, with plans to launch a new campaign for people to get the third dose after the rates became stagnant for the past few weeks at 69 percent.
Mentor to Malinauskas, Don Farrell, said he was “overwhelmed and proud” that he is now premier.
“One of the good things about him is that when he says he is going to do something, he does it,” South Australian Labor senator Farrell told Sky News.
Farrell is a former trade union leader, and he formed an early and enduring political relationship with Mainauskas through Woolworths workers’ unionism.
Farrell’s focus has been on climate change, helping businesses recover from the pandemic, and ensuring the sustainable funding of health care.
