Better health for New Zealanders through the development of responsible self-medication
June 21, 2011
MEDIA STATEMENT
SMI welcomes renewed look at single trans-Tasman medicines regulator
The New Zealand Self-Medication Industry Association (SMI), the industry body representing non-prescription consumer
healthcare products, welcomed the announcement of plans for a renewed examination of a joint Australia-New Zealand
medicines agency.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and New Zealand’s Prime Minister, John Key, announced a five-year staged plan
which will see Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration and New Zealand’s Medsafe work together in areas of common
interest, and develop a single regulatory framework - with the intention of becoming a joint agency in the future.
SMI executive director Tim Roper said the proposal to join the two regulatory agencies represents a major step towards
building a world-class regulatory system.
“Harmonising regulatory arrangements for therapeutic products between Australia and New Zealand has the potential to
streamline procedures and also bring a more contemporary approach to regulation in each country,” he said.
“The move towards a single agency is a positive step for the medicines industry, and will provide consistency for
manufacturers in areas of licensing, packaging, and advertising of therapeutic products, including those sold
over-the-counter (OTC).”
Mr Roper warned, however, that combining the two regulatory bodies will not be without some challenges.
“No-one should underestimate the difficulties that this exercise presents. But the industry stands ready to assist in
bringing about meaningful reform which will significantly benefit the communities of both countries.
“The OTC medicines sector was very supportive of earlier attempts to establish the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic
Products Authority (ANZTPA), which ultimately foundered following a break-down of negotiations between Australia and New
Zealand.
“It’s to be hoped that some of the lessons from earlier experiences have been absorbed, and will allow the two
governments and their parliaments to overcome some of the differences that derailed previous attempts.”
ends