Health Act review and the proposed Public Health Bill

Health Act review and the proposed Public Health Bill
Latest news

21 Nov: Media Release - A New Public Health Bill (www.beehive.govt.nz)
A new Bill designed to improve and protect New Zealanders’ public health was introduced to Parliament today by the Health Minister David Cunliffe.

The Public Health Bill is a major legislative reform involving review and updating of the Health Act 1956.

The new Bill will allow for the management of a wide range of risks to public health including some provisions relating to non communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, the focus will continue to be on communicable disease and environmental health.

The Bill was introduced to Parliament in November 2007, and had its first reading on 12 December 2007. Parliament has referred the Bill to the Health Select Committee, which has called for public submissions (due 7 March 2008). For more details about the submission process, please refer to the New Zealand Parliament website below.

Related Information

Summary of the Public Health Bill

Regulatory Impact Statement for the Public Health Bill

Public Health Bill (gpacts.knowledge-basket.co.nz)

Public Health Bill (www.parliament.nz)

Public Health Legislation: Discussion paper, November 2002

Summary of Submissions on Public Health Legislation: Promoting public health, preventing ill health, and managing communicable diseases. 2004

Public Health Legislation Review: A New Public Health Legislative framework, July 1998

International Health Regulations 2005

International Health Regulations 2005 background

Health (Drinking Water) Amendment Bill

Page last updated: 8 January 2008