Changes for ALAC

From 1 July 2012, the new Health Promotion Agency (HPA) took over the functions of ALAC, the Health Sponsorship Council (HSC) and some programmes previously delivered by the Ministry of Health. 

The Crown Entities Reform Bill authorising the changes to ALAC has now been passed by Parliament. The Bill was split into three parts. The part containing the changes for ALAC is known as the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Amendment Act 2012.

The Act establishes the HPA and disestablishes ALAC and the HSC. The Board of HPA will have at least five and not more than seven members all appointed under Section 28(1) (a) of the Crown Entities Act 2004.

The functions of HPA are that it will lead and support activities for the following purposes:

• promoting health and wellbeing and encouraging healthy lifestyles
• preventing disease, illness, and injury
• enabling environments that support health and wellbeing and healthy lifestyles
• reducing personal, social, and economic harm.

The HPA also has the following alcohol-specific functions:

• giving advice and making recommendations on the sale, supply, consumption, misuse and harm of alcohol
• undertaking or working with others to research the use, public attitudes, and misuse of alcohol.

For a copy of the new Act go to http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2012/0041/latest/DLM4047310.html