Regulation of complementary medicines in Australia - a positive story
Wellington, 28 May 2002
At a Parliamentary briefing today, hosted by the Minister of Health, a delegation from Australia comprising industry, consumer and practitioner representatives, and regulators, provided an overview of the current regulatory framework for complementary medicines in Australia. They were joined by a number of New Zealand members of the Complementary Healthcare Council of Australia1.
The briefing covered the regulatory framework and the benefits it confers on industry and consumers.
The key points were:
- An industry survey indicates that 77% of Australians use complementary medicines, supplied by a growing $1 billion industry comprising small, medium and large companies.
- Recognition of the role of complementary medicines and their integration into health care is increasing.
- A partnership approach between industry, consumers and government in the regulatory process means that safe, effective, affordable, quality products are available to consumers.
- Complementary medicines including vitamin, mineral, herbal, nutritional, aromatherapy and homoeopathic products are readily available from supermarkets, health food shops, pharmacies, by mail order or direct selling and supplied by practitioners.
- Consumers are provided with factual, balanced information about the use and benefits of the product, and any precautions, to assist them to make an informed choice.
- The range of products and ingredients is increasing, which gives consumers increased choice and sustains a viable manufacturing and retailing industry.
- Decisions about the safety of ingredients are made by experts in complementary health care.
- Consumers have confidence that products are safe, true to label, free of contaminants, and manufactured to agreed quality standards.
- The regulatory scheme is funded by industry.
The delegation also reinforced its support for the development of a joint agency to regulate these products in New Zealand and Australia.
Key issues discussed were that:
- The new agency would replace the TGA and Medsafe, and would have fully functional offices is both countries.
- The new regulatory arrangements would draw on the best features of New Zealand, Australian and international approaches.
- Extensive public consultation will follow release of a discussion document prepared by New Zealand and Australian officials to facilitate informed debate about the proposals.
1 The Complementary Healthcare Council is the peak body representing the complementary healthcare industry in Australia, with membership comprising manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, practitioners and consumers.
This statement was agreed by delegation members following the Parliamentary briefing.
- Mr Graham Peachey
Director, Trans-Tasman Group
Therapeutic Goods Administration - Ms Val Johanson
Executive Director
Complementary Healthcare Council of Australia - Dr Ian Brighthope
President
Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine - Mr Phillip Daffy
Complementary Healthcare Council of Australia
Consultant - Ms Lynda Mc Farlane
Complementary Healthcare Council of Australia
Blackmores Ltd - Dr John Miller
Complementary Healthcare Council of Australia
Mayne Health Consumer Products - Dr Derek Weir
Consumers' Health Forum - Ms Juliet Seifert
Chair
Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code Council - Mr Mark Mathews
Complementary Healthcare Council of Australia
Nutra-Life Health and Fitness (NZ) Ltd - Ms Bridget Crooks
Complementary Healthcare Council of Australia
Weleda (NZ) Ltd - Mr Rob Shaw
Complementary Healthcare Council of Australia
Dietary Supplement Manufacturers' Association