Australian Capital Territory
Explanatory Statement
Health Professionals (Medical Board) Appointment 2005 (No 3)
Disallowable instrument DI2005—155
made under the
Health Professionals Regulation 2004, Schedule 2 section 2.6

The Health Professionals Act 2004 (HP Act) is set to commence operation in July 2005 and replaces the Medical Practitioners Act 1930.  Of the positions of President and five members, two are to be community representatives whilst the President and three members are to be registered medical practitioners. The remaining three members were elected by the profession in December 2004. 

To ensure continuity of corporate knowledge and ease the transition to the HP Act, the current members of the Board have been appointed under the provisions of the HP Act for the remainder of their current appointment terms under the Medical Practitioners Act 1930. 

The HP Act provides for the registration of persons engaged in medical practice to enable them to practise medicine in the ACT.

This instrument makes appointments under the Legislation Act 2001.  Accordingly, the instrument is a disallowable instrument.

The Standing Committee on Health has considered the appointments and has made no comment.

Ms Faye Higgins is to be appointed to September 2005.  Future appointments will then revert to the standard process of appointment for four year terms.