Reforms provide better public health protection

• The Public Health Act 2016 updates 105-year-old legislation

• Practical, modern approach to benefit the community

• Act to be enforced by State and local governments 

The comprehensive Public Health Act 2016 came into effect this week, ushering in a new era for public health regulation in Western Australia.

Health Minister John Day said the Act, which largely replaced the Health Act 1911, would provide a proactive, flexible, risk-based framework that would benefit the health and wellbeing of the community.

"Passage of this legislation is a significant achievement of the Liberal National Government," Mr Day said.

"The need to reform public health legislation in WA has been widely acknowledged for many years.  By updating the State's public health regulatory framework, the State Government has taken a major step towards better protecting and promoting public health as well as preventing illness and injury."

The Public Health Act 2016 was based on extensive consultation and addresses modern issues and concerns including emerging infectious diseases, chronic diseases and new industries.

The Minister said examples of the outdated nature of the old Act included provision for the treatment and custody of lepers, local government powers to seize and destroy trespassing pigs and geese, and requirements for drivers of public vehicles to disinfect them after conveying any person with any infectious disease.

"The new Act requires increased transparency of government public health efforts, through the requirement for State and local government public health plans," he said.

"The Act places a legal duty on all people to conduct their activities in a way that does not cause harm to the health of others.  It also aims to reduce the public health inequalities of disadvantaged communities."

To deter unlawful conduct and prevent or minimise harm to public health, the Public Health Act 2016 also prescribes significantly higher penalties - up to $250,000 for individuals and $1.25 million for body corporates.

Fact File

• The Act will be progressively introduced over the next five years, to allow transition to the new regulatory framework

• The Department of Health will work with local governments to support the implementation of the Act across WA 

Minister's office - 6552 6200