Commentary
On Oct. 12, 2022, the Queensland Parliament, with bipartisan support, passed the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2022 (pdf). Among other changes, this legislation confers new discretionary powers on bureaucrats to pressure medical practitioners into supporting government’s views on health.
Specifically, if the health ombudsman reasonably believes that a practitioner’s conduct, performance, or health “poses a serious risk to persons; and it is necessary to issue a public statement to protect public health or safety” in a way considered appropriate. He or she may also “identify, and give warnings or information about a person or a health service.” The ombudsman enjoys immunity if the statement is made in good faith….