Government revitalizes the pharmaceutical industry working group
The Australian Government was committed to reconvening and revitalizing the Pharmaceuticals Industry Working Group, delegates at the Medicines Australia annual conference were told on 8 April.
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Joint Release
The Hon Nicola Roxon MP
Minister for Health and Ageing
Senator Kim Carr
Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
8 April 2008
NR08/44
Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, and Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon today announced that the Government was committed to reconvening and revitalizing the Pharmaceuticals Industry Working Group (PIWG).
Speaking at the Medicines Australia annual conference, Senator Carr said:
"The Working Group is co-chaired by Minister Roxon and myself, and we believe industry engagement is essential in the development of forward-looking policy."
"The Rudd Government wants the PIWG to become the premier forum of pharmaceuticals industry policy advice that regularly discusses the strategic issues and develops solutions to the challenges of tomorrow."
Minister Roxon said:
"The PIWG provides an important mechanism for industry to work with Government to identify important issues and challenges and how they may be addressed.”
“Minister Carr and I are working with industry to reconvene the PIWG as quickly as possible."
Senator Carr said:
"We need to use Australia's strengths to gain international attention and investment in R&D and niche manufacturing."
"It is essential that the industry bring its views and ideas to the table. Industry and government must work in partnership to guarantee the ongoing viability of the pharmaceuticals sector in Australia. That's why it is critical that the industry participate in the Review of the National Innovation System review and that we revitalize PIWG."
The Australian pharmaceuticals industry is Australia's second largest manufactured exporter, with exports of almost $4 billion a year. The industry employs 34,000 people, spends $752 million a year on R&D and has a turnover of over $18 billion.
Media contact: Ms Roxon – Sean Kelly – 0417 108 362
Senator Carr - Catriona Jackson - 0417 142238
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