Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025, Australian Centre for Disease Control (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail

Opened the debate

Ryan moved five amendments to expand the definition of public health matters to include occupational exposures, injury prevention, and the health effects of climate change. The proposals required the Minister to prepare biennial statements on climate change impacts and pandemic preparedness, ensuring transparency and accountability. Ryan also sought to reduce the timeframe for the first statutory review of the Act from five years to three years. These measures aimed to position the Centre as an authoritative contributor to national health policy and safeguard its role as a trusted source of scientific knowledge.

Government response

Butler thanked Ryan for her experience and noted significant overlap between the crossbench amendments and the recent Senate inquiry report. The government opposed the inclusion of occupational health and safety within the Centre's scope, maintaining that Safe Work Australia remains the appropriate body for policy development and enforcement in that area. Butler expressed sympathy for the focus on climate health impacts but did not support the specific details of the proposed amendments. The Minister committed to continuing open dialogue with crossbench members as the government finalised its position on Senate amendments.