Western Australia – How the No Jab No Play law passed

On 14 December 2018, the Western Australian government announced a plan to introduce a No Jab No Play law in that state, despite Health Minister Roger Cook’s previous reassurance that he would await COAG guidance “to ensure there is a nationally consistent approach to immunisation requirements for attendance at childcare and preschool.” See WA ‘No Jab No Play’ law announced before COAG policy finalised.

Public consultation

The Western Australia Department of Health conducted a public consultation regarding the proposal to enact a No Jab No Play law, receiving over 500 submissions, most of which opposed the law, but were not published.

Download AVN responses to the WA No Jab No Play public consultation

Although the department was obliged to publish a Decision Regulatory Impact Statement (DRIS) once it had evaluated all of the public’s submissions, it initially refused to do so.  The department eventually buckled under the weight of heavy lobbying demanding its release, but not before the Bill was introduced into the parliament.

Download Decision Regulatory Impact Statement (DRIS)

Also see the following AVN blog articles:

AVN responses to the WA No Jab No Play public consultation
Key information omitted from WA No Jab No Play discussion paper
Physicians call for moratorium on WA No Jab No Play pending independent review
Lobbying for vaccination exemptions in Western Australia
WA ‘No Jab No Play’ law announced before COAG policy finalised

Public Health Amendment (Immunisation Requirements for Enrolment) Bill 2019

Download Bill as passed by the parliament
Download Explanatory Memorandum
Download Hansard – Legislative Assembly & Council

Current legislation

Public Health Act 2016
Public Health Regulations 2017