-
Let guidelines be your guide: AHPRA and National Boards to reform cosmetic procedures sector
As the guidelines develop, it will be interesting to see how the regulator and Boards attempt to deal with the difficult problem of social media promotion in this very popular sector.
-
Proving the “competent professional practice” defence in NSW: Is the law any clearer after Dean v Pope?
Background A health practitioner who is sued for negligence in NSW will avoid liability under s 5O(1) of the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) “if it is established that the professional acted in a manner that (at the time the service was provided) was widely accepted in Australia by peer professional opinion as competent professional…
-
What happens when doctors don’t act as they should? And what’s the ruling against neurosurgeon Charlie Teo?
Amid public controversy, an Inquiry of a Professional Standards Committee established under law has imposed practice restrictions on neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo.
-
Australia’s vaping train wreck: The Butler Plan to fix it and the devil in the detail
This post was written by Neil Francey, Research Affiliate, Sydney Health Law Australia’s Vaping Train Wreck Commonwealth Health Minister, Mark Butler MP, has announced that the Albanese Government is taking strong action to reduce smoking and stamp out vaping – particularly among young Australians – through stronger legislation, enforcement, education and support. This follows public…
-
Contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law in the promotion of e-cigarettes
This post was written by Neil Francey, Research Affiliate, Sydney Health Law In an article in The Conversation, “Sex and lies are used to sell vapes online. Even we were surprised at the marketing tactics we found”, published on 6 March 2023, Curtain University Professor Jonine Jancey notes that e-cigarettes are not harmless; they contain…
-
Doctors may soon get official ‘endorsements’ to practise cosmetic surgery – but will that protect patients?
People who are interested in exploring whether cosmetic surgery is appropriate for them are right to feel wary and confused. Now, the introduction of a scheme to officially endorse doctors who practise in the area of cosmetic surgery promises to allay patients’ doubts. But the idea remains contentious for those in the field.
-
Pokies: joyless, nasty, and on the way out?
This post gives a shout out to hotel owners who are ditching their pokies to create a more family-friendly atmosphere. And to executives of registered clubs who are resisting pressure to make gambling the heart and sole of the business plan for registered clubs: see here and here. Let’s be honest: pokies (also known as…
-
Global health law short courses
If you live on planet earth, you have a stake in global health law. This post draws attention to two upcoming short courses taught by global health law colleagues in Europe. Summer in Geneva? The University of Geneva will be hosting a course on International Law, Global Health and Global Justice on June 26-30, 2023.…
-
Regulating harmful cross-border advertising: can it be done?
How do governments prevent their citizens from being exposed to harmful online advertising which originates outside of their jurisdiction? Such advertising is referred to as cross-border advertising. Advertisers have taken advantage of a digitised, interconnected world to reach broad audiences (including children) across national borders.
-
Thinking about cosmetic surgery? At last, some clarity on who can call themselves a surgeon
Currently, doctors doing cosmetic surgeries can call themselves ‘surgeons’ without special training. But soon, the title will be protected.
-
Who’s the best doctor for a tummy tuck or eyelid surgery? The latest review doesn’t actually say
If you’re thinking about cosmetic surgery, how do you know which health practitioner to trust? A review of how cosmetic surgery is regulated in Australia, released today, may help consumers decide.
-
Alcohol causes 3 million deaths each year. Eliminating conflicts of interest is vital to bringing this number down
Alcohol causes three million deaths each year, including 13.5% of deaths amongst those aged 20-39 years. But the personal and economic costs of alcohol-related harm are not met by the alcohol industry.
-
Developed countries, dwindling national flexibilities, and access to essential medications during public-health emergencies
Developed countries have wound back the breadth and effectiveness of flexible obligations in international patent agreements.
-
Indigenous Peoples’ Inclusion in Food Governance
For NAIDOC Week, Dr Mark Lock speaks to Dr Belinda Reeve about championing health equity and inclusion for First Nations Australians in food governance.
-
Alcohol companies continue to play by their own rules, putting our children’s health at risk
Alcohol companies are largely left to write and administer their own rules through the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC) Scheme.
-
Another step forward for the Pacific Legislative Framework
Pacific Island Countries and Territories have some of the world’s highest rates of health risks. In response, the Public Health Division of the Pacific Community (SPC) has been driving an initiative for tackling the key risk factors: the Pacific Legislative Framework.
-
A short(ish) explainer on public health law
Stay-at-home orders, curfews, and mandatory quarantine have brought public health law to the public’s attention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
Closing the Gap and health governance reform: a brief review
The National Agreement on Closing the Gap is an ambitious all-of-government framework for improving the health and welfare of Australia’s first nations peoples. This post briefly reviews the Agreement and considers its significance as an example of health governance reform.
-
Prospects for the World Health Assembly’s pandemic instrument
The World Health Assembly (WHA) has established an intergovernmental negotiating body to “draft and negotiate a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response”. The Assembly’s decision was made at the special session of the WHA, convened for the specific purpose of considering the benefits of such an instrument. But…
-
Vaccine mandates webinar
On 9 December, the Parsons Centre for Law & Business, together with Corrs Chambers Westgarth, convened a seminar entitled Vaccine mandates and public health orders: legal and ethical issues for business. The seminar reviews the emergence of vaccine mandates in public health orders in NSW, and vaccine mandates imposed by businesses and other organisations from…



















“Clear the Air: Stronger Vaping Laws for a Healthier NSW” New South Wales (NSW) must take urgent action to align…