11/29/2002

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Wellington, Nov 29 - The public has been invited to have its says on new public health legislation planned to be introduced next year.

The Health Ministry today released its discussion paper, Public Health Legislation: Promoting Public Health, Preventing Ill Health and Managing Communicable Disease, and asked people to make submissions on the new Public Health Bill.

Ministry Director of Public Health Colin Tukuitonga called the current public health legislation "out of touch" and said it did not adequately reflect public health issues, human rights and values of today.

The new bill is to replace the Health Act 1956 and other associated legislation, including the TB (tuberculosis) Act 1948.

"Dealing with public health issues is complicated, which is why it's vital people have their say on the bill," Dr Tukuitonga said in a statement.

"These are issues that affect all New Zealanders' health. We need to ask ``how do we balance keeping our communities healthy while protecting privacy and people's rights?"'

The Health Act and the TB Act did not have strategies for achieving public health objectives and did not take into account new technologies and information systems, Mr Tukuitonga said.

The Health Act also did not provide for rights of review and appeal for those kept in isolation with communicable conditions that risked others.

Public submissions are sought on issues including:

* How to help people make healthier choices through controlling access to products and advertising.

* Screening, registers and immunisation programmes.

* Powers to deal with people whose condition could pose a threat to others, while providing for the rights of those people affected.

* Tracing of the causes and those affected by food-borne illnesses or sexually transmitted infections.

* Powers of quarantine at the border.

Mr Tukuitonga said the legislation would have to be flexible enough to provide for health needs in years to come.

Public submission forms can be obtained through the Health Ministry website -- www.moh.govt.nz -- and must be completed by March 28 next year.

The bill was expected to be introduced late next year.

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