Vulnerable persons committee

The VP Committee provides feedback to the Food Authority and the NSW Minister for Agriculture on industry issues including:

• emergency management preparedness for the sector
• emerging and contentious issues and risks for food safety
• the development and implementation of national food safety standards
• other issues in which the industry has an interest such as industry based education, food preparation, food storage and food delivery
• regulatory effectiveness

Where considered appropriate, the VP Committee may establish sub-committees to address specific issues between scheduled meetings.

In addressing issues, the VP Committee will take into account, where appropriate, the policies and practices of interstate and overseas government food agencies and industry organisations.

Where appropriate, members will provide industry updates and current issues at each VP Committee meeting.

The Food Authority may continue to provide the Minister with its own advice on issues that come before the VP Committee.

The VP Committee meets approximately every 6 months, with agenda items called for one month before each meeting.

• Vulnerable Persons Industry Forum 16 November 2017
  • Presentations
  • Q&A's
• Outcomes from meeting 8 June 2016
• Outcomes from meeting 24 June 2015
• Outcomes from meeting 5 November 2014
• Outcomes from meeting 25 June 2014
• Outcomes from meeting 26 June 2013
• Outcomes from meeting 12 December 2012

Key issues from committee meetings are reported in Foodwise. For more details contact your industry representative.

• The NSW Vulnerable Persons Food Safety Scheme Consultative Committee (the Committee) has the function of consulting with the NSW Food Authority (the Authority) in relation to section 105 of the Food Act 2003 and Part 9 Division 3 clause 147 of Food Regulation 2015 (Vulnerable Persons Food Safety Scheme).
• The Food Authority is to ensure that consultation on the following matters is undertaken with the Committee in relation to the Vulnerable Persons Food Safety Scheme (the Scheme):
  • the continuing operation of the Scheme
  • any proposed amendment of the Scheme
     
• The Committee will establish the main forum through which the Authority will communicate its policy objectives with industry and also use the collective intelligence of members to maintain the Scheme in the most practical manner for specific industry sectors.
• The Minister may confer additional functions on the Committee to any or all of the following:
  • the provision of advice to the Minister on matters relating to the relevant sector of industry subject to the Scheme
  • assisting in achieving industry support for the implementation of the Scheme
  • assisting in promoting the safe handling of the types of food covered by the Scheme
     
• The Committee will keep the NSW Minister for Agriculture informed of its activities
• Committee advice on specific Vulnerable Persons sector issues should generally be made to the Minister (or the Authority) and not sent directly to an external organisation or government agency. This does not limit individual members from making direct submissions on issues on behalf of their organisation or membership
• Through its sector representatives, the Committee will encourage industry to consult with the Authority on emerging and contentious issues
• Where considered appropriate, the Committee may establish sub-committees to address specific issues between scheduled meetings
• In addressing issues the Committee will take into account, where appropriate, the policies and practices of interstate and overseas government food agencies and industry organisations
• The Committee will comprise a chairperson appointed by the NSW Food Authority, a Private Hospitals representative, an Aged Care representative, an Aged and Community Services representative, a Delivered Meals Organisation representative, a Health Support Services representative, a representative of the Institute of Hospitality in Health Care, a representative of the NSW Food Authority and representatives from other appropriate bodies as required
• A member will hold office for a period not exceeding three years or in accordance with appointment terms set by Cabinet, as specified in the member’s instrument of appointment, but is eligible for reappointment
• With the exception of NSW public sector employees, members are entitled to be reimbursed the amount of expenses actually incurred when required to travel within Australia to attend committee meetings as outlined in ‘Guidelines for NSW Board and Committee Members: Appointments and Remuneration’ published by the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet
• The procedure for the calling and holding of meetings of the committee is to be as determined by the Authority in consultation with appointed member

Charter September 2015

Enquiries regarding the VP Committee can be made by contacting the relevant industry representative or the NSW Food Authority helpline at

• contact@foodauthority.nsw.gov.au
• on 1300 552 406, or
• by fax 02 9741 4888