New Victoria Agency to Oversee Vaping, IVF and Pest Control

The new health management agency in Victoria will oversee a range of issues including IVF, pest control, vaping, safe drinking water, and radiation safety.

The establishment of this health management agency aims to ensure a more consistent health system and is expected to begin operations in 2024, pending legislative approval from Parliament.

This agency will have direct authority and greater enforcement power over assisted reproductive treatments, which are currently managed by the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority.

In July 2019, Michael Gorton conducted a landmark review of the state's fertility industry, proposing 80 broad recommendations, including strengthened regulation, which is one of the reasons for the establishment of the new health management agency in Victoria.

This new agency will also be responsible for health service facilities, food safety, child safety, legionella risks, drugs, and poisons.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas stated that the agency will better ensure that all health operators protect patient safety.

She said, "These reforms will create a super-regulatory team that can respond to various issues in the health sector and ensure that the best resources are fully utilized where needed."