Continued the debate
Butler argued that the bill ensures the Australian Centre for Disease Control operates independently and relies on scientific evidence to identify health risks early. Butler stated that amendments to the Biosecurity Act 2015 would empower the CDC director-general to determine which diseases require monitoring at borders. Butler explained that updates to the National Health Security Act 2007 would allow the agency to coordinate national disease data and serve as the primary contact for international health emergencies. Butler noted that the bill also assigns responsibility for the National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry to the CDC and includes transitional provisions for a smooth operational shift.