Media Release

12 December 2005

Trans Tasman Agency Not A Done Deal

An announcement that the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Authority will be going ahead albeit with a delayed start-up date is well and truly putting the cart ahead of the horse, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson, Barbara Stewart MP.

“The appointment of a transitional director also indicates that both governments consider the establishment of the agency to be a done deal.

“There has in fact been a significant level of resistance to the whole concept of a trans-Tasman agency and considerable opposition to regulation of such items as dietary supplements. It is difficult to see where the Government can obtain the support for the enabling legislation,” said Mrs Stewart.

“The original treaty was signed in spite of community opposition and against the recommendations of the Health Select Committee.

“Any further action on either side of the Tasman to establish the authority should immediately be put on hold until such time as the necessary legislation is presented to Parliament and a final – democratic - decision is made,” said Mrs Stewart.

ENDS

© Scoop Media