Explanatory Memorandum
(Circulated by authority of the Minister for Health, The Hon Sussan Ley MP)Notes on clauses
Clause 1 - Short Title
This clause provides that the Bill, once enacted, may be cited as the Australian Immunisation Register (consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2015.
Clause 2 - Commencement
This Clause provides the commencement dates for the provisions in the Bill. The transitional arrangements described in the Bill will facilitate immunisation program continuity and seamless implementation to the new expanded registers.
From 1 January 2017, 12 months after the Australian Immunisation Register Act 2015 commencement date the final provisions will commence. This is to facilitate the establishment of the new Australian School Vaccination Register (ASVR) which is expected to be operational beginning of the 2017 school year. The time for these provisions to be enacted will enable correct procurement guidelines to be followed and development of the Register.
Schedule 2 is scheduled to commence on either a day fixed by proclamation or the end of 12 months after royal assent. The expansion of the Australian childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) to cover all individuals, which are provided for in the amendments in Schedule 2, will not be ready to be implemented prior to October 2016. Therefore 12 months has been provided for Schedule 2 to commence. None of the provisions in the Bill will commence if the Australian Immunisation Register Act 2015 does not commence.
Clause 3 - Schedules
Provides that each Act that is specified in the Schedule to this Bill is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule.