Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Amendment (Vaccine Indemnity) 2023

# Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Amendment (Vaccine Indemnity) Bill 2023 ## What it does This bill stops the Australian government from giving legal protection (called "indemnity") to vaccine manufacturers if something goes wrong with their vaccines. It also prevents government-run agencies from offering this same protection. Essentially, it removes a shield that would protect vaccine makers from being sued. ## Why it matters Currently, the government can legally promise to cover the costs if a vaccine manufacturer faces lawsuits. This bill removes that option, meaning vaccine manufacturers would have to face legal claims directly and carry their own insurance or liability costs instead. This is significant because indemnities have been used in the past to encourage vaccine development during emergencies. ## Key details - **Who it affects**: Vaccine manufacturers and any government bodies that might have offered them legal protection - **When it starts**: The day after the bill receives royal assent (parliamentary approval) - **What's blocked**: Both the Finance Minister and government-owned entities are prohibited from granting these indemnities — even if other laws previously allowed it - **Definition**: "Vaccine" means any vaccine used for immunizing people, and "manufacturer" includes companies sponsoring vaccines under Australia's therapeutic goods laws