What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill moves some public health powers to the new Australian Centre for Disease Control. It lets the centre decide which human diseases are watched at the border, manage national disease data and a lung disease registry, and protects some sensitive information from freedom of information requests. The transcript includes only the Health Minister's speeches, and the bill passed the House.
Arguments made in support
The Health Minister said an independent, science-based centre with strong data skills would spot health risks earlier and give better advice to government.
He said another pandemic will come, so the centre needs clear powers at the border and over national disease monitoring.
The Government said limits on freedom of information release balance the public's right to know with protecting personal and sensitive information.
The Government said repealing the old preventive health agency law clears the way for the centre to take on chronic disease work after a 2028 review.
4 speeches by 2 members in the House over 2 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 3 Sept 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 27 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.