New guide for councils

A new handbook for Environmental Health Officers has been distributed to councils.

The 'Guidance Manual for Local Government Authorised Officers' was developed by the Municipal Association of Victoria with support from the Department of Health.

The guide helps Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) exercise powers under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, which came into operation on 2 January 2010.

Under the Act, councils have health protection responsibilities in relation to nuisances, prescribed accommodation – including rooming houses and travellers’ hostels – and businesses that provide hairdressing, beauty therapy, tattooing and colonic irrigation.

The manual helps council EHOs monitor and inspect premises, investigate complaints and concerns and enforce the new laws.

The manual can be downloaded from the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) website.