Bills

Preventive Health SA (Council Governance) Amendment Bill

Second Reading

The Hon. C.J. PICTON (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (10:51): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

This private member's bill was introduced by the Hon. Sarah Game in the other place and passed last sitting week, proposing to amend the Preventive Health SA Act 2024 in relation to the Preventive Health SA Council, including strengthening transparency and accountability.

In February 2024, the Malinauskas government delivered on our election commitment to establish an independent preventive health agency, Preventive Health SA. Preventive Health SA leads evidence-informed, innovative and integrated action to prevent and reduce the burden of non-communicable health conditions and improve health equity across South Australia and future generations.

In September last year, I was proud to introduce legislation into this parliament to secure the long-term future of Preventive Health SA as an independent health agency. Legislation was passed by the parliament last year. It was the first of its kind in South Australia and has generated interest locally and nationally as a way of recognising and embedding preventive health policy and action as a crucial area of health policy with a permanent place in the health system in South Australia.

Part 3 of the Preventive Health SA Act 2024 establishes the Preventive Health SA Council as a statutory body to provide strategic advice and assist the chief executive in relation to the performance of the chief executive's functions under the legislation. The council will advise the chief executive on matters relating to the objects of the act and functions of the chief executive, as well as on existing and emerging data and research on population health and health equity and opportunities for innovation in preventive health action.

Additionally, the council will advise the chief executive in relation to the development of the strategic plan under the act and on the development and publication of reports designed to raise awareness and promote action in relation to preventive health priorities. When established, the council will consist of the chief executive and at least eight other members appointed by me on the recommendation of the chief executive, of whom at least two must be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons. The level of skills and expertise of council members will add a degree of prestige to the prevention agenda in South Australia, ensuring a renewed interest and focus on this portfolio.

The bill proposes amendments to the membership of the council, with the addition of a member with the knowledge, expertise or experience in clinical translation and implementation. Whilst, under the act, a member with knowledge, expertise or experience in clinical translation and implementation could be recommended and appointed to the council, the bill makes this explicit as an additional requirement. The bill also proposes amendments that aim to strengthen provisions in relation to the declaration of interests for members on the council, both in the recommendation of members and also in the ongoing operation of the council.

Whilst the Public Sector (Honesty and Accountability) Act 1995 (and other government policies and circulars governing government boards and committees) covers these requirements for advisory bodies such as the council, with associated penalties and fines, the bill defines designated interest, direct interest and relevant industries relevant to the act and is explicit in stating that a person who has a designated interest, as defined in the bill, cannot be appointed as a member of the council.

The bill is also explicit about declaration processes and timing. The provisions and intent of the bill will be further strengthened under regulations that will be developed under section 21(3) of the act, which specifies that regulations may provide for a code of conduct to be observed by members of the council. It is anticipated that the code of conduct under regulations will:

establish standards of conduct, behaviour and professionalism to be observed by council members;

outline processes to ensure the integrity of, and public confidence in, the council are promoted and maintained;

ensure that the performance of the functions of the council is not affected by pecuniary or personal interests or associations of members; and

promote ethical conduct and prevent unethical conduct.

The council will also develop procedures, via a charter, to ensure compliance and audit against the requirements of the code. In line with the bill's intent to strengthen the governance of this agency that is doing this important work across priority areas of prevention, including obesity, tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, mental health and suicide prevention, the government supports this bill. I commend the bill to the chamber.

Ms PRATT (Frome) (10:55): I rise very briefly as the lead speaker on this bill. Historically, we want to signal our intention to support this bill. I would note, during this time of private members' business, that it is refreshing to see something concluded in a positive way for a change.

The Hon. C.J. PICTON (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (10:56): I thank the opposition for their support for the legislation, and I thank the Hon. Sarah Game in the other place for putting forward this proposal. The government has obviously worked constructively with her and her team to make sure that this is something which can receive bipartisan or multipartisan support in the parliament.

Bill read a second time.

Third Reading

The Hon. C.J. PICTON (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (10:57): I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

Bill read a third time and passed.