Teen cosmetic surgery and solarium bans take effect in Queensland

Queensland has become the first State in Australia to pass laws banning unnecessary cosmetic surgery procedures and solarium use for minors.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said the new laws passed by State Parliament today were backed by tough maximum penalties, including $150,000 fines or two-year prison terms.

“These new laws will put an end to young Queenslanders getting face lifts, tummy tucks, eyelid surgery and breast augmentation,” he said.

“The ban applies to purely cosmetic procedures, decisions on which teenagers are not mature enough to make for themselves and may come to regret as adults.

“We’ve consulted extensively with key stakeholders, including surgeons, industry and the Cancer Council to get the laws right.

“Of the 300 public submissions we received, 82 per cent of respondents said they were concerned or very concerned about cosmetic surgery for under-18s.

Mr Robertson said the laws contained specific exemptions for essential procedures to correct deformities, or negate any medical or psychological impact caused by specific body features.

“The laws also allow procedures to correct a congenital abnormality, or to reduce the impact of a disfigurement caused by an accident, burn or other trauma,” he said.

“This is about protecting the health and wellbeing of Queensland children, who are a major priority for the Bligh Government.”

Mr Robertson said a practitioner who performed a non-exempted cosmetic procedure on a minor could be referred to their registration board and relevant body, such as the Health Quality and Complaints Commission.

He said the new laws amended the Public Health Act 2005 and the Radiation Safety Act 1999.

“These amendments to the Radiation Safety Act will prevent under-18s from accessing solariums in various commercial settings, including at sun tanning clinics and gyms,” Mr Robertson said.

“They can help bring about a reduction in UV radiation exposure in young people, which is essential given that Queensland has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world.

The laws mean operators will also be banned from hiring out sun tanning units to under-18s for use at home.

The maximum penalty for operators who break the law is $30,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a company.

Mr Robertson said the Cancer Council Queensland and the Australasian Solarium Association supported the new laws.

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MEDIA: Kate Van Poelgeest 0458 449 267