'Health authorities want the power to detain people for up to three months if they refuse testing or treatment for infectious diseases. Under draft legislation proposed by the State Government, someone with swine flu, measles or meningococcal disease could be forcibly held, examined and treated. It is one of several wide-ranging powers sought to protect the public.
The Public Health Bill also would, for the first time, give authorities the power to override parents who refused treatment for their children with infectious conditions. Other diseases that could be controlled include AIDS, polio, rabies, salmonella and cholera.
The tougher enforcement powers would come with a substantial increase in fines - up from $60,000 to $1 million and 10 years' jail - and relate to any serious risk caused to public health. SA Health public health director Kevin Buckett said the new legislation would give authorities wider powers to act more quickly.'