Preventive Health SA Bill

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 31 October 2024.)

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (17:08): I rise to indicate the opposition's support for the Preventive Health SA Bill 2024 which aims to alter the health prevention landscape in South Australia. This bill represents an evolution from Wellbeing SA established by the previous Liberal government in 2020 into Preventive Health SA. This agency consolidates essential functions to address non-communicable diseases and their determinants.

The opposition acknowledges the government's intent to elevate preventive health as a cornerstone of our state's health system. This bill is particularly timely given the rising burden of chronic diseases such as obesity, smoking-related illnesses and mental health issues, which require a strategic and coordinated response. Wellbeing SA was designed to embed prevention into every stage of life. Its strategic plan 2020 to 2025 focuses on early years, mental health and wellbeing, and chronic disease prevention through initiatives such as Open Your World. This agency fostered community engagement partnerships laying a strong foundation for preventive health.

This new bill builds upon that legacy. It introduces more integration and consolidates efforts in areas such as tobacco control, alcohol misuse and suicide prevention. Importantly, it retains the focus on improving health equity, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The Preventive Health SA Bill 2024 introduces the Preventive Health SA council, tasked with advising the chief executive and overseeing the implementation of strategic objectives. It mandates representation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, reflecting a commitment to culturally informed policymaking.

There are several commendable elements in this legislation, such as allowing the chief executive to act independently and impartially, providing evidence-based advice to the government. Within 18 months of enactment, the chief executive must develop a strategic plan outlining Preventive Health priorities and measures. This step is crucial for accountability and long-term impact. It will address disparities in health outcomes by appointing diverse representatives to the council.

The bill emphasises the importance of working with non-government entities. This is a true interconnectedness between social determinants in health. Over 75 stakeholders contributed to the consultation process. The board engagement has helped refine the bill and ensure the legislation aligns with existing laws, such as the South Australian Public Health Act 2011. Stakeholders have expressed support for the bill's objectives and its emphasis on collaboration, innovation and sustainability. However, they have also highlighted areas for improvements, such as including voices from regional and remote communities.

The Liberal opposition supports this bill and recognises its potential to address pressing health challenges. However, we emphasise the need for vigilant oversight in its implementation, particularly in ensuring adequate resourcing for the chief executive and agency functions, enhancing clarity around the strategic plan's scope and alignment with other heath initiatives, and strengthening representation for regional and remote areas within the council's framework.

This bill marks a pivotal step in embedding preventive health as a permanent and integral part of South Australia's health infrastructure. It builds on the foundation laid by Wellbeing SA and demonstrates a shared commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of all South Australians.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (17:11): I rise to speak in favour of the bill on behalf of the Greens. The Greens know that prevention is better than cure, not to mention being cheaper and more cost effective. We know we must find ways to keep people healthier throughout their lives rather than just treating illnesses once people get sick.

Successive reviews, both internationally and in Australia, have recommended that governments reorient their health systems towards primary and preventive health care. I think that is particularly important in the context of the debate that we are having around ramping in our state. We know that when you prevent people from being ill that also reduces the pressure that our hospital system is under. It is essential to ensure we have a healthy community and to reduce the strain of our emergency departments and hospitals.

The health of South Australians can be turned around with the right care, support and interventions early on. Primary health care is crucial to the provision of a responsive, effective and high-quality health system. Indeed, it is better to build a fence at the top of the cliff than to simply have an ambulance waiting at the bottom. Unfortunately, preventive health care has not always received the attention that it deserves in our state, but we do welcome this move by the government.

I want to acknowledge, as I have often in this place, the leadership of Minister Picton. He is someone who is passionate about preventive health, and I think he has a very strong track record. If you look at the legislation that he has explored during his time as minister, he has a very strong track record of trying to move our state further in the prevention space, and we certainly welcome that.

The Greens hope the Preventive Health SA agency will receive the funding it needs to carry out its essential work. We look forward to reading the strategic plan that Preventive Health SA will release in 2026, and we look forward to seeing the priorities and measures the agency will identify as key to improving the health and wellbeing of South Australians. Indeed, for my part, I will continue to push for action on childhood obesity.

Members will be aware that I have a bill that I plan to introduce into parliament in the new year, which is currently being drafted, that will prevent fast-food restaurants from popping up near schools. I have another bill to prevent junk food being advertised on public assets and within 500 metres of schools, and I intend to continue to advance that in the new year.

For now, it is important to note that the Greens support the passage of this bill. We do hope it leads to a more comprehensive approach to promoting the health of South Australians, and ultimately we hope it leads to a greater focus on primary healthcare services and preventive health because we know that this will benefit everybody in our community.

The Hon. S.L. GAME (17:14): I rise to add my comments in support of the Preventive Health SA Bill. The bill recognises the importance of preventive health and aims to enshrine it within South Australia's health infrastructure. Benefits from this would include reducing pressure on the acute health system and of course, most importantly, increasing the health and wellbeing of South Australians.

The public submissions we viewed on the Preventive Health SA draft bill were all strongly supportive of its goals and its structure, and it is difficult to argue about a measure that would ensure dedicated focus on improving our health and wellbeing as a state by addressing preventable risk factors.

I raise two points regarding this bill: firstly, the creation of another government bureaucracy must be overseen with due diligence. It is important this initiative has sufficient funding and other resources to carry out its stated functions, but it must not drift towards becoming a bloated, unaccountable body. It must have measurable goals.

Secondly, in relation to this bill and the information that members have accessed when deciding whether or not to support it, I have not seen a specific reference to men and men's health, unlike, for example, the focus on improving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I trust that the bill's mention of other priority population groups includes boys and men, a group often unfairly overlooked by policymakers.

The Hon. C. BONAROS (17:15): I am not listed to speak but I just want to indicate my support for this very good bill and associate myself with the remarks, and also commend the Hon. Mr Picton, the Minister for Health, on his efforts in this very important space.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (17:16): I thank all members for their contribution on this important bill and their indication of support.

Bill read a second time.

Committee Stage

Bill taken through committee without amendment.

Third Reading

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (17:18): I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

Bill read a third time and passed.