Healthy Futures Commission Queensland Bill 2017

Overview

This bill creates a new independent state body called the Healthy Futures Commission Queensland, focused on helping children and families live healthier lives. The Commission will fund community projects, partnerships and research aimed at promoting healthy eating, physical activity and reducing health gaps between different Queensland communities.

Who it affects

Queensland children and families, especially in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, multicultural, regional and lower-income communities where health outcomes are worse. Community groups, councils, universities and businesses that deliver health projects can apply for grants.

Key changes

• Sets up the Healthy Futures Commission Queensland as an independent body corporate with a six-member board and a CEO
• Creates the Healthy Futures Queensland Fund, with at least 55 per cent of each year's money to be spent on grants
• Requires the Commission to consider the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, CALD, regional and disadvantaged communities when deciding what to fund
• Requires an annual project funding plan to be approved by the Minister by 31 March each year
• Applies standard integrity rules (criminal history checks, conflict of interest rules, confidentiality offences with 100 penalty unit fines) to board members and the CEO
• Requires an independent review of the Commission's performance within five years of commencement