Transparency Reforms on Track at TGA

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PDF printable version of Transparency Reforms on Track at TGA (PDF 101 KB)

16 July 2012

The Gillard government today announced that it would establish an Australian Therapeutic Goods Advisory Council later this year to provide broad strategic advice to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), with an emphasis on improving communications between the regulator and its key stakeholders.

Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, who has portfolio responsibility for the TGA, said today the Council would be chaired by Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Baggoley. It will comprise 10–12 members who will provide expert advice from the perspective of the TGA’s three main stakeholder groups – consumers, health professionals and industry.

"The establishment of this committee was a key recommendation of the TGA Transparency Review and forms part of the roll-out of the reforms outlined in TGA reforms: A blueprint for TGA’s future report," Ms King said.

The Committee’s membership is likely to be finalised by early September with a view to the first meeting being held in the last quarter of 2012.

Ms King said the TGA was regarded internationally as a world-leading regulator of medicines and medical devices but was perceived by some in Australia as being too inaccessible.

"The government is determined to change that and I know the TGA also wants to make its vital work of safeguarding the health of Australians more transparent. That is why I am pleased to see that the Blueprint for reform is well on track." Ms King said.

"For example, a recent upgrade to the way the TGA assesses hip, knee and shoulder joint implants, a review and consultation on medicines labelling and packaging, and reforms to improve the regulation of complementary medicines are well under way, and I look forward to other reforms rolling out in the near future."

The TGA has just released a detailed plan that shows how and when it will implement the reforms outlined in the Blueprint.

“The three-phase plan includes clear and achievable milestones up to its completion date of December 2015, and the TGA will report on its progress every six months," Ms King said.
Delivering reforms – Implementation plan for TGA Reforms: A blueprint for TGA’s future is available on the TGA’s website.

The TGA welcomes feedback on its reform process via info@tga.gov.au or 1800 020 653.

For more information, please contact the Parliamentary Secretary's Office on (02) 6277 4230