Ministry seeks clearer definition of 'obstruction' in health bill

The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs wants a clearer definition of "obstruction" in the proposed Public Health Amendment Bill, warning the term may be too vague for village communities to understand what actions could result in penalties.

Acting permanent secretary Paula Tuione raised the concern before the Standing Committee on Social Affairs yesterday, saying villagers needed to know exactly what constituted obstruction before fines of up to $500 could be imposed.

"If it can be clearly defined, understanding the current status of our villages, we need to really define this in order for us to know what kind of obstruction would result in someone being seen as breaching certain compliance requirements under this Act," Mr Tuione said.

National WASH Coordinator Toga Vosataki told the committee that obstruction under the bill covered any action that prevented health officers from carrying out their duties.

This includes refusing entry to premises or obstructing an inspection.

Mr Vosataki suggested the definition be included in the preliminary section of the bill to make it easier for the public to understand.

Assistant Minister Aliki Bia noted that obstruction was directly linked to the bill's power-of-entry provisions, which, if passed, would allow health officers to enter any premises, including villages, to conduct inspections.

Mr Tuione said the ministry was not opposed to enforcement but requested that health officers first consult the relevant provincial office and the Turaga ni Koro before entering a village, in line with established iTaukei protocols.

Committee chairperson Iliesa Vanawalu confirmed the committee had noted the request and would consider incorporating the consultation requirement into the bill before it was finalised.

The committee is expected to receive a formal written submission from the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs within two weeks.

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