❓ Hon. Philip Scott questions the Minister for Health regarding training for police and authorised officers related to Section 158 of the Public Health Act, specifically concerning potential human rights implications. The Minister's response indicates no specific ongoing training for Section 158 and that human rights obligations were considered during drafting.
AnsweredQoN 788Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Public Health Act—Section 158—Training788.Hon Philip Scottto
the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health:According to
previous answers provided, the draconian powers outlined in section 158 of the
Public Health Act have never been used. However, that section could be invoked during
a public health emergency. Given the government can see a scenario in which
section 158 would be used, I ask the following.(1) Has specific training ever been provided to the
police officers or authorised officers expected to carry out the provisions
within section 158—namely, holding someone down, stripping them naked
and forcibly vaccinating them?(2) Is there ongoing training for police officers
or authorised officers in relation to section 158 and, if so, what does that
training entail?(3) Has the government obtained legal advice
regarding the adherence of section 158 to Australia's international human
rights obligations and, if so, what is that advice?
the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health:According to
previous answers provided, the draconian powers outlined in section 158 of the
Public Health Act have never been used. However, that section could be invoked during
a public health emergency. Given the government can see a scenario in which
section 158 would be used, I ask the following.(1) Has specific training ever been provided to the
police officers or authorised officers expected to carry out the provisions
within section 158—namely, holding someone down, stripping them naked
and forcibly vaccinating them?(2) Is there ongoing training for police officers
or authorised officers in relation to section 158 and, if so, what does that
training entail?(3) Has the government obtained legal advice
regarding the adherence of section 158 to Australia's international human
rights obligations and, if so, what is that advice?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 September 2025
Response time
0 days
Hon Pierre Yang replied:I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. The following answer has
been provided by the Minister for Health.(1)–(3) Persons designated as authorised
officers are appropriately qualified and trained to exercise powers specific to
their role. There is no ongoing training provided to authorised officers
specifically in relation to section 158 of the act. In drafting thePublic Health Act 2016, consideration was given
to ensuring that the act was consistent with Australia's international human
rights obligations.
Public Health Act—Section 158—Training
honourable member for some notice of the question. The following answer has
been provided by the Minister for Health.(1)–(3) Persons designated as authorised
officers are appropriately qualified and trained to exercise powers specific to
their role. There is no ongoing training provided to authorised officers
specifically in relation to section 158 of the act. In drafting thePublic Health Act 2016, consideration was given
to ensuring that the act was consistent with Australia's international human
rights obligations.
Public Health Act—Section 158—Training
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