NSW Expanded Protections for Frontline Health Workers

Health Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2024

4 Jun 2024: Passed by Parliament and signed off by the governor.

This bill kicks in: TBA

Legislative Council

Legislative Assembly

Assent

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Topics

assisted reproductive technology health privacy health records health worker safety healthcare mental health patient privacy

Introduced by: The Hon Ryan Park MP (ALP); The Hon Rose Jackson (ALP)

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Official page: bill text and explanatory notes

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Assaulting or hindering medical practitioners and medical practice staff is now a criminal offence.
The Health Secretary can share donor information with interstate government agencies or ART providers.
State owned corporations must follow health privacy laws if they are not already covered by the Commonwealth Privacy Act.
The maximum fine for Tier 5 offences under the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act drops from 120 to 100 penalty units (2026: $13,200 to $11,000).
Directors of community treatment must notify designated carers and principal care providers about applications and breaches of community treatment orders.
Directors of community treatment can send breach notices via email if they cannot deliver them in person.

The Debate

What different members said when this bill was debated:

Mr MATT KEAN

“I lead for the Opposition in debate on the Health Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2024. The Coalition supports the bill now that it has been amended in the Legislative Council. Carers and frontline healthcare workers play a vital role in our community, and we welcome these changes to help protect them.”

Official source →

Edmond Atalla ALP

“I make a brief contribution in support of the Health Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2024. The bill will make amendments to various Acts and repeal the Health Services Amendment (Ambulance Services) Act 2015. That Act was proposed to amend the Health Services Act 1997. However, it was concluded that the Act would be unable to reach its intended goals and, therefore, was never commenced.”

Official source →

Michael Holland ALP

“I am pleased to speak to the Health Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2024. The bill will introduce minor amendments to various health Acts to ensure that health legislation remains up to date. I limit my contribution to the amendments proposed to the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act. It is of particular interest to me professionally as well as personally.”

Official source →

Anna Watson ALP

“I am pleased to speak to the Health Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2024, which will introduce minor amendments to various health Acts to ensure that health legislation remains up to date.”

Official source →

Charishma Kaliyanda ALP

“As noted by previous speakers, the Health Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2024 introduces minor amendments to various health Acts to ensure that health legislation remains up to date. I note the amendment to the Public Health (Tobacco) Act. I thank our current tobacco inspectors and recognise the work they do in our community to seize illicit tobacco and vaping products.”

Official source →

Ryan Park ALP

“I thank the member for Hornsby, and shadow Minister for Health; the member for Mount Druitt; the member for Bega; the member for Shellharbour; and the member for Liverpool. I acknowledge the organisations that were involved in the consultation and development of the bill with NSW Health.”

Official source →