Tasmanian Bills Fact Sheets Tasmanian Bills Fact Sheets[Index] [Search] [Download] [Bill] [Help]
FACT SHEET
Fluoridation Amendment Bill 2009
The Fluoridation Amendment Bill 2009 (the Bill) will introduce a number of changes to the
funding and regulation of the fluoridation of public water supplies in Tasmania under the
Fluoridation Act 1968 (the Act).
The main purpose of this Bill is to end Government funding of fluoridation under the Act in
time with the new water and sewerage infrastructure which will commence on 1 July 2009.
The Bill also provides for a more flexible and contemporary regulatory regime. Specifically,
the Bill:
· Removes any obligation on the government under the Act to pay for fluoridation works,
fluoridation expenses, or the administrations of the Act;
· Provides for compliance monitoring against best practice principles through the
endorsement of a Code of Practice by the Fluoridation Committee and an extension of
the regulation making powers;
· Extends and modernises the qualifications required of persons appointed to the
Fluoridation Committee;
· Amends the reporting requirements between the water authorities, the Director of
Public Health, the water and sewerage Regulator and the Minister to reflect the new
regulatory structure; and
· Increases the regulation making powers and penalties under the Act.
On 1 July 2009 the new water and sewerage reforms will commence. From that date, the
new water corporations will assume control of water on behalf of local council. Through a
Ministerial direction, these corporations will remain responsible under the Act for the
fluoridation of public water supplies. Compliance will continue to be carried out by the
Fluoridation Committee.
An allowance for the corporations to recover the efficient costs associated with the
provision of fluoridation services has been included in the Government's draft Interim Price
Order, which in turn will ensure that users will pay no more for fluoridation services than is
necessary.