The Radiation Health Bill No. 17/2006 was introduced for first reading in the House of Representatives on 20 September 2006. Upon its second reading the Bill was referred to the Sector Standing Committee on Social Services for review.

When introducing the Bill to the House, the Minister for Curative Health Services stated the purpose of the Bill was to replace the Ionising Radiations Act (Cap. 102) and introduce a new regulatory regime for sources of ionising radiation and harmful non-ionising radiation through the establishment of a Radiation Health Board. Ionising radiation sources are essentially x-ray machines used in hospitals and the scope of the Bill covers:

(a)   the use, transportation and disposal of these radiation sources;

(b)   safety standards, protection plans and monitoring of radiation sources; and

(c)    a more stricter licensing system.

For an explanation on the specific provisions of the Bill refer to the Explanatory Note, produced by the Attorney-General's Chambers that follows the Bill, which may be viewed on this site.

The Bill was still before the Sector Standing Committee on Social Services for review when Parliament was dissolved on 5 December 2006.