Health and Environmental Law 1 | Units of study... | Swinburne University of Technology

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PEH20003 12.5 Credit Points Hawthorn

Duration

1 Semester

Contact hours

4 Hours per Week

On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.

Corequisites

Nil

Aims and objectives

This unit develops an understanding of the processes involved in the administration of public and environmental health law, with a focus on the Australian context.

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Discuss the basis of the legal system in Australia including the role of parliament, the court and tribunal system, how law is made and interpreted
2. Explain the legislative framework for protecting health and the environment within Australia, with a focus on Victoria.
3. Evaluate the role of administrative law, the Ombudsman and the Freedom of Information Act as mechanisms for review.
4. Analyse the role of authorized officers in effectively implementing health and environmental legislation
5. Compare the various options available to seek compliance with Acts pertinent to public and environmental health practice, and identify the key considerations when gathering evidence.

Unit information in detail

- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.

Teaching methods

This unit will involve up to 150 hours of work including:

Type

Hours per week

Number of Weeks

Total

Face to Face Contact

Lecture

Online Contact

Online tutorial (needs timetable)

Specified Learning Activities

Discussion boards, readings

5 Approx.

60 Approx.

Unspecified Learning Activities

Independent study, assignment preparation, revision

Recommended

TOTAL

150 hours/12.5cp

Assessment

Types	Individual or Group task	Weighting	Assesses attainment of these ULOs
Online Activities (8)	Individual	20%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Assignment	Individual	40%	1, 2, 3
Exam	Individual	40%	4, 5

General skills outcomes

During this unit students will receive feedback on the following key generic skills:
• Analysis Skills
• Problem Solving Skills
• Communication Skills
• Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
• Ability to work independently

Content

• Basis of legal system in Australia, statute and common law, role of the court and tribunals at Federal and State levels,

• The framework of public and environmental health laws. Delegation, statutory interpretation , statutory duties and powers and penal provisions, offence and defence provisions, identifying the elements of an offence, judicial review of administrative decisions
• Achieving compliance, education and enforcement, investigations, role of local government as a prosecution agency, role of risk assessment when exercising discretion
• Legislative history, overarching principles and provisions of key legislation in Victoria including Public Health and Wellbeing Act, Environment Protection Act, Tobacco Act

Study resources

- Reading materials.

Reading materials

A list of reading materials will be made available in the Unit Outline.