David Bartlett, MP
Premier
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Protection for Food donors and Good Samaritans
Premier David Bartlett today announced amendments to the Civil Liability Act to provide a new level of protection to businesses that donate food to the needy, and to safeguard Good Samaritans who volunteer to help others in an emergency.
“I have said since I became Premier that I want to build a kinder Tasmania.
“This is what today’s announcement is all about, supporting those in our community who reach out in kindness to help someone else,” Mr Bartlett said.
The new food donor provisions in the Civil Liability Amendment Bill 2008 will mean businesses that donate left over food will not be liable for harm caused by inappropriate handling of food after it has left their premises.
The legislation requires that food must be fit for human consumption at the time it is donated and the donor must inform the recipient of any relevant handling or storage requirements.
“It means good food can be given to others in need without fear of prosecution,” Mr Bartlett said.
“Based on what has occurred in other states, I am confident this will result in a significant increase in businesses donating good quality surplus food. Instead of being wasted, it can be redirected to people in need.”
The legislation has been welcomed by Secondbite, a Victorian based not-for-profit organisation that acts as an intermediary, collecting donated food from retailers and passing it on to charities for distribution.
Secondbite recently approached the Tasmanian Government about operating a similar scheme here.
The Premier today announced $10,000 would be provided to assist Secondbite set up a local Tasmanian service.
“The second but equally as important part of this Bill is the protection extended to Good Samaritans,” Mr Bartlett said.
The Good Samaritan provisions mean a person who volunteers to assist someone who is ill, injured or at risk of serious injury, will be protected from civil liability if their help inadvertently fails to improve the other person’s situation. Provisos relate to assistance being in good faith and without expectation of reward.
“This new Government doesn’t have a mortgage on good ideas, they can come from anywhere.
“I want to acknowledge the Leader of the Liberal Opposition who has been calling for this change to legislation. That is why I have invited him to take part in today’s announcement,” Mr Bartlett said.
FAST FACTS
The State Government is introducing amendments to the Civil Liability Act, in the form of the Civil Liability Amendment Bill 2008.
The amendments will protect from prosecution businesses that donate quality left over food. Intermediaries who pass food on to the needy will also be protected.
The number of businesses donating food is expected to increase significantly.
Good Samaritan provisions are also included to protect people who try to help others in an emergency.
| Further information: | Tasmanian Government Communications Unit Phone: (03) 6233 6573 |