Media Release
Grant Tambling
Wednesday 4 August 1999
Senator Tambling reinforces a strong partnership between Government and the non-prescription medicines industry.
"The non-prescription medicines industry has played a strong part in fostering and developing a new and collaborative
partnership," the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Aged Care, Senator Tambling, said today.
"A number of initiatives have been taken up in recent months and there are more on the agenda," Senator Tambling said.
"Australia enjoys an international reputation for the high public health and safety standards which apply to all our
medicines and this will be vigorously maintained by the Government. In recent times, we have been promoting an approach
which acknowledges industry's role in promoting responsible co-regulatory arrangements. Industry has been encouraged to
play a stronger role in formulating positions and working closely with the Therapeutic Goods Administration in
delivering workable and cost effective outcomes" he said.
Speaking at the Proprietary Medicines Association of Australia (PMAA) annual conference in Sydney entitled Health from
the Shelf - The Consumer's Choice on Wednesday, Senator Tambling outlined developments in this growing and important
industry sector.
"We acknowledge the role of all participants in the healthcare spectrum. As the representative organisation of the
non-prescription medicine industry, the PMAA enjoys a special place in the Australian healthcare sector," Senator
Tambling said.
As part of a post-marketing focus, the rules covering the advertising of therapeutic goods to the general public,
outlined in the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code, are under review, in consultation with industry.
"The review is expected to enhance the existing co-regulatory arrangements for advertising. There is a great deal of
promise in this area. Much credit goes to the PMAA in creating a very positive environment within which we can rethink
our approach." Senator Tambling said.
Senator Tambling reiterated the importance of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Review of each State and
Territories drugs and poisons legislation.
"This is a critical review under the competition principles which should have a lasting impact on the non-prescription
medicines section including reductions in labelling and compliance costs and an improvement in the competitive position
of Australia's experiences."
Noting the PMAA motto of "Better Health Through Responsible Self-Medication", Senator Tambling praised the commitment of
the PMAA to education and information for consumers of non-prescription medicines.
"Consumers manage about 75 % of their health problems without recourse to professional help. Responsible self-medication
is an integral part of our healthcare system, and will be reflected in a National Medicines Policy which is to be
finalised by the end of this year", Senator Tambling said.