Page 2439 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 9 August 2016
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I have consulted with some other stakeholders on this bill. A number of them who work in the public housing and tenancy area were not aware of this bill until I brought it to their attention. Some of the feedback I have received from them includes uncertainty as to what the code of practice is, whether it has been developed and who was consulted on it. They believe it would make more sense to develop the code of practice, consult with experts and then give all MLAs an opportunity to understand what would be in the code of practice and how it would work. Their feedback includes, “Will the content of the code of practice be informed by input from the Canberra Living Conditions Network?” This is a network of interested parties set up specifically to look into hoarding behaviour and squalor. They ask, “Where will resources to support people affected by hoarding and squalor come from?”
Another issue brought to my attention is uncertainty as to how the act, as amended by the bill, interacts with reporting of neglect, abuse or risk of harm to children. For example, where there is a squalor or hoarding case involving children or young people, does this trigger the requirements about reporting abuse and neglect of children and young people as set out in the Children and Young People Act 2008?
It is, and will be, very important for people living with domestic squalor and hoarding to get the support services they need to help them comply with the act as amended by the bill. Obviously, while we are very supportive of the changes outlined in the bill today, it is something that we need to watch with caution into the future.
MS FITZHARRIS (Molonglo—Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research, Minister for Transport Canberra and City Services and Assistant Minister for Health) (11.00), in reply: I thank members for their contributions today. Certainly, noting the complex and sensitive nature of this issue, I thank them for their thoughtful contributions. The Public Health Amendment Bill 2016 will improve the government’s public health response to alleged insanitary conditions occurring in residential areas. The bill, in improving public health measures, will lessen the serious public health and community risks associated with the management of insanitary conditions.
An insanitary condition is a condition that is reasonably considered to be or likely to become a public health risk and generally at odds with acceptable community standards. These conditions can be caused by a number of factors including compulsive hoarding-like behaviours, squalor, neglect or the keeping of many animals in poor conditions. Properties that suffer from insanitary conditions may pose serious public health risks such as the production of offensive odours and increased vermin and insect activity. In residential or highly urbanised areas, insanitary conditions can have dramatic impacts on neighbouring residents including diminished urban amenity and freedom to enjoy their home and property.
The ACT government has been managing several cases of insanitary conditions for a number of years with limited success, as noted by some members this morning. The management of these cases can often be complex as the conditions normally occur on private property. Sustained clean-up efforts are often impeded by a relapse of the insanitary condition. In one instance, as I recalled last week, ACT Health officers
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