FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Southern Suburbs, Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts) (16:00): I move:

That the Social Development Committee investigate and report on the merits or otherwise of schemes that provide information to the public on the results of food safety inspections and noncompliance with the Food Act, such as the UK-style 'scores on doors' system or the New South Wales online register of businesses fined, and in particular—

(a) the aims and objectives of such schemes;

(b) whether the system improves compliance with food safety standards and legislation;

(c) the impacts on consumers, industry, local government and state government, including costs and benefits;

(d) the work needed to underpin, develop and implement the schemes;

(e) whether the schemes should be mandatory or voluntary for food businesses;

(f) any regulatory or administrative changes required to implement such schemes in South Australia; and

(g) any other related matters.

While I believe the overall standard in food outlets in South Australia is high, there have been requests both within this house and in the media to make the results of inspections and noncompliance publicly available.

There are obstacles, of course, to this occurring under the current food legislation. South Australia's food legislation is not aimed at secrecy but is primarily there to protect public health and safety and, as such, focuses on prevention activities rather than punishment. Local government and the Department of Health have been working together and recently released a joint working plan which aims to continuously improve—or should I say in, deference to the member for Croydon, if he were here, to improve continuously—food safety and the effectiveness of the Food Act.

Activities on the plan include the development of a consistent framework for the classification of risk and frequency of food inspections. Some further changes have already been undertaken in response to calls for greater transparency. For example, we now publish the details of successful prosecutions brought by council. Some argue that these changes do not go far enough.

Before taking further action, it is important to broadly consult with key stakeholders and other members of the public. I believe we need to give local government, food businesses, consumers and the public, as well as members, of course, an opportunity to say how they think more information could be provided to the public in order for them to make informed decisions about which food outlets to go to.

In this motion, I am asking that the parliament's Social Development Committee examine regulations and systems across the nation to deliver a model that informs and reassures South Australians about food safety. I believe the Social Development Committee is the appropriate forum for a more complete examination of these issues.

Debate adjourned on motion of Mr Pederick.