People having a cosmetic procedure or treatment, including undergoing procedures using dermal fillers or anti-wrinkle injections will be better protected under strengthened legislation that has passed NSW Parliament.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the legislation could see shady operators fined as much as $110,000 for breaches of the regulatory requirements that put clients at risk.

“After the death of Jean Huang at a Sydney beauty clinic last year, I directed the Ministry of Health to scrutinise similar clinics and what was found was very concerning,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Despite NSW having some of the strongest laws in the country to regulate cosmetic surgery, unsafe practices were taking place and unapproved products being used.

“The new laws will help ensure medicines used in cosmetic treatments are administered safely and anyone performing a high-risk procedure must do so in a licensed facility.”

Under the new legislation, anyone who performs high-risk procedures or treatments, such as a breast augmentation, in an unlicensed facility faces a fine of $55,000.

The Bill amends the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act to create a new classification for medicines used in cosmetic procedures, such as anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers.

“There will be tailored rules around the storage, access and use of cosmetic medicines that could see lax operators find as much as $110,000, Mr Hazzard said.

He added even with the passing of this Bill, consumers are still urged to be cautious. “Remember that no cosmetic procedure is risk-free. Do your research and check that

your practitioner is legitimate.

“If a person claims to be a doctor or nurse, you can search the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website to check they’re registered.”

Mr Hazzard raised the issue of protecting the title “cosmetic surgeon” at the COAG Health Council at the end of last year and it is expected that this issue will be consulted on in the second half of the year.