[no bill text published] Emergency Declaration Powers and Reporting Obligations for the Minister
Public Health Amendment (Emergency Powers) Bill 2026
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Minister takes over the power to make, extend or revoke emergency declarations from the Director.
Time limits specifically relating to COVID-19 disease are removed.
Specified officers can only use their powers if they have a certificate of authority.
The Director or a council must issue these certificates; they must list the officer's powers and the expiry date.
The Minister must prepare a report explaining the reasons for any emergency declaration action.
The Minister must table this report in Parliament within 3 sitting-days; otherwise, it must be given to the Clerk and published online within 14 days.
The Director must publish directions and the reasons for them on a government website and in the Gazette.
Topics
administrative oversight emergency declarations emergency powers government accountability public health