The Tasmanian Government is strengthening the State’s legislative framework for managing public health emergencies, with the Public Health Amendment (Emergency Powers) Bill 2026 now tabled in the House of Assembly.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the Bill reflects key lessons learnt from the COVID-19 response and will ensure Tasmania remains well placed to respond swiftly and effectively to public health emergencies.
“The COVID-19 pandemic was the greatest public health challenge of our lifetime,” Minister Archer said.
“There have been significant learnings from that time, and the Bill reflects those learnings to ensure Tasmania is well placed to respond to serious public health threats into the future.
“It will support informed and coordinated decision-making, and embeds contemporary public health emergency management practice.”
Key reforms in the Bill include:
The Bill implements recommendations from the internal review commissioned by the Department of Health regarding the COVID-19 Emergency Response and Public Health Legislation.
