Hygiene legislationLegislation in Queensland generally respects the privacy of people in their own homes and laws do not regulate people’s personal hygiene. However, when a person’s activities create a problem for the health of others in the community, there are laws that a local government can use to take action. These laws allow authorised officers to direct people to take action and to arrange for actions to be taken to reduce or remove risks to public health.
The Public Health Act 2005 is the law that can be used where someone creates a problem for the health of others in the community. Only a person who is authorised under the Public Health Act can enforce the Act. Currently, most EHWs are not authorised under the Act. If an authorised person is required in order for some action to be taken for a public health risk, contact your local Queensland Health Environmental Health unit for assistance.
Some specific hygiene issues that can be managed through public health legislation include:
Householders must keep drains and other associated plumbing in and around their homes clear and stop dirty water (from the kitchen, bathroom, toilet or laundry) overflowing and causing smells.
If the sewerage lines on their property begin leaking, they must take action to fix the leak. If the house is owned by council, the residents must tell the council of any problem straight away so it can be fixed.
House yards should always be kept clean and tidy. Residents must ensure that rubbish does not build up in their yards and that their animals don't create a health risk for the residents and others in the community. Untidy yards may also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and vermin. See the Vermin and Vector Control Legislation page for more information on the laws that relate to mosquitoes and vermin.
Where houses are rented, the landlord has responsibilities to ensure health risks are fixed as soon as possible. When leasing (renting) a house, the owner should agree with the tenant on the maximum number of residents who can live there safely and legally.
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