Stewart Barbara: Law Reform (Epidemic Preparedness) Bill — First Reading 
Stewart Barbara: Law Reform (Epidemic Preparedness) Bill — First Reading 
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BARBARA STEWART (NZ First) 
: 
 New Zealand First supports the Law Reform (Epidemic Preparedness) Bill going to the Government Administration Committee. There is no doubt that in the event of an epidemic—whether it be bird flu some other fatal influenza or another disease we heard about from the previous speaker Dr Richard Worth—the population at large will be looking to the Government for a speedy response and leadership for the country. They will also look for some guidance and assurance that a crisis of that kind will be managed as best as it is possible to be managed. We must commend the Government for its actions in updating this legislation in a timely manner—better before the event than after the event. This bill is all about managing a crisis from imposing quarantine powers at borders to clarifying the emergency powers available to the medical officers of health and the police and managing a whole range of other matters that may be disruptive or may be needed to deal with the specific consequences of an epidemic. 
It is not that a bird flu pandemic could not become a reality; a mutation in the virus could lead to a human epidemic. Statistics suggest that if that mutation were to continue with a high fatality rate—apparently 30 to 50 percent among people known to have contracted the infection—then the results would be disastrous and we would need the legislation as outlined by Dr Richard Worth. Fortunately at this stage the chances of that occurring seem to be low. However medical researchers say that an epidemic is always on the cards as are major volcanic eruptions tsunamis or earthquakes. An influenza epidemic occurred in 1918 and there will almost certainly be another one in the future. Wise people always learn from the lessons of the past. 
New Zealand First notes that this legislation responds to the World Health Organization advice and it ensures there is clarity certainty and legislative authority so that the public health response is appropriate. That is absolutely what is required. The last thing the public wants or needs is a weak or disorganised response by the Government or the health authorities in such a crisis. It is essential to be prepared and we know that any crisis of the magnitude outlined by the previous speaker would be absolutely disastrous. 
The Health Act of 1956 did have some gaps that do affect the Government’s ability to respond to an epidemic and it is very timely to review and update that legislation. A number of Acts will be affected by this legislation. I read from the bill that the Holidays Act of 2003 the Income Tax Act of 2004 the Parole Act of 2002 and the Sentencing Act of 2002 will be affected—it is quite an extensive list; I have mentioned only a few. Some of the legal obligations talked about by the Hon Tony Ryall are covered in this bill and as Maryan Street said improvements and constructive suggestions are definitely welcome. 
Just last year the Health Committee had a briefing from the Ministry of Health on version 14 of the New Zealand Influenza Pandemic Action Plan and there is no doubt whatsoever that the Ministry of Health has further refined that plan. The version number I am sure would be much higher now than 14. I believe that the Ministry of Health can be commended for the preparations it currently has under way. We always know that preparations can be improved as the US has identified and the Ministry of Health will no doubt be looking at the American plan with great interest. 
 New Zealand First is pleased to see all the information and the material that are now available advising the public about the necessity for family preparedness. Although many families are able to stockpile some food and other goods in the event of a pandemic we must be very aware too that some families on fixed incomes will find this challenging and this aspect must be prepared for and covered in legislation. We do not want to have families unnecessarily starving. 
New Zealand First supports this legislation. Preparation is absolutely essential if we are to ensure that a pandemic is managed as well as it possibly can be. A pandemic threat such as bird flu or any disease is basically too important for petty party politics and needs leadership and measures such as are proposed and outlined in this legislation. We support this legislation going to a select committee.