Thursday, 17 October 2024

Health Legislation Amendment (Regulatory Reform) Bill 2024

Council’s amendments

The ACTING SPEAKER (Nathan Lambert) (16:07): I have received a message from the Legislative Council agreeing to the Health Legislation Amendment (Regulatory Reform) Bill 2024 with an amendment.

Ordered that amendment be taken into consideration immediately.

Message from Council relating to following amendment considered:

1. Insert the following New Clause to follow clause 78 –

‘78A New section 123A inserted

After section 123 of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008 insert –

“123A Review of operation of this Act as amended by the Health Legislation Amendment (Regulatory Reform) Act 2024

(1) The Minister must cause a review of the operation of this Act, as amended by Part 2 of the Health Legislation Amendment (Regulatory Reform) Act ‍2024, to be commenced after the third anniversary of the day on which Part 2 of the Health Legislation Amendment (Regulatory Reform) Act ‍2024 comes into operation.

(2) The Minister must cause a copy of a report of the review to be laid before each House of the Parliament no later than the fourth anniversary of the day on which Part 2 of the Health Legislation Amendment (Regulatory Reform) Act 2024 comes into operation.”.’.

Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Ambulance Services) (16:08): I move:

That the amendment be agreed to.

This bill gives effect to reforms that were announced last December to strengthen and reform health regulation in Victoria, providing greater consistency to regulation across the health system through the newly established health regulator. I want to acknowledge the review amendment, which was discussed by and agreed with the opposition. The amendment to include a three-year legislative review is supported by our government as it aligns with the purposes and aims of our reform work.

We know that the health and assisted reproductive treatment sector is complex and continues to rapidly evolve with developments in science and technology, as well as social attitudes and community expectations. Review of the implementation and operation of these legislative reforms will be ongoing and iterative to ensure the best outcomes for Victorians, and this will be supported by a formal legislative review.

In sum, the reforms in the bill are necessary to ensure that health regulation in Victoria is modern and evolves in line with contemporary best practice regulation and with changes in risks, technology, knowledge and practice, and community expectations. This means a safer, stronger health system for all Victorians.

James NEWBURY (Brighton) (16:09): I acknowledge the government in accepting the opposition’s amendment, but I also acknowledge the work of the Shadow Minister for Health in the other place. This amendment will ensure that there is a three-year review into the operation of the legislation. I know the shadow minister Ms Crozier has worked very hard on this bill, and I acknowledge her good work.

Motion agreed to.

The ACTING SPEAKER (Nathan Lambert): A message will now be sent to the Legislative Council informing them of the house’s decision.