Public Health (Declared Public Health Emergencies) Amendment Bill 2020

Overview

This bill was introduced in February 2020 in direct response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It amends the Public Health Act 2005 to allow declared public health emergencies to be extended by regulation for up to 90 days at a time, instead of the previous 7-day limit, giving Queensland Health greater continuity in managing the pandemic response.

Who it affects

All Queenslanders may be affected during a declared public health emergency, as emergency officers have powers to restrict movement, require people to answer questions, and in some cases detain people with serious diseases. The longer extension period provides more certainty for both health authorities and the community about emergency arrangements.

Key changes

• Public health emergency declarations can be extended by regulation for up to 90 days at a time, up from the previous 7-day limit
• Emergency officers retain existing powers during extended declarations, including powers of entry, movement restrictions, and medical detention with penalties of up to 100 penalty units for non-compliance (200 for breaching detention orders)
• A built-in sunset clause means the 90-day extension power expires 12 months after commencement, reverting to a 14-day initial extension and 7-day further extensions
• Safeguards remain: people must be offered voluntary compliance before detention is enforced, and detained persons can choose their own doctor for medical treatment