Australia - New Zealand Therapeutic Products Agency Welcomed

The proposed establishment of the Australia-New Zealand Therapeutic Products Agency (ANZTPA) has been welcomed by the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA), the representative body for the manufacturers, importers and suppliers of products used in dentistry.

"ADIA was a supporter of ANZTPA when it was first proposed several years ago, and we have always believed that its establishment is in the best interests of both patients and the Australian dental industry," said Troy Williams, ADIA Executive Officer.

The proposals to establish ANZTPA follows an agreement signed on 20 June 2011 between the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers. The agreement signals the intent of both governments to progressively implement the joint agency over a period of up to five years. A staged approach focused on medicines, medical devices and biologicals will be adopted in order to establish the requisite building blocks for one regulatory system.

"Both governments have agreed to a three staged approach that first looks at business to business and resource sharing arrangements, then the establishment of a common regulatory framework. The creation of ANZTPA is the third and final stage. ADIA supports this approach given the many difficulties that need to be overcome," Mr Williams said.

At a meeting convened by ADIA in Parliament House and held yesterday, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, the Hon. Catherine King MP, provided an update on the agreement to dental industry business leaders.

"ADIA welcomes the Parliamentary Secretary's commitment to seeing this initiative through to delivery and her assurance that, through ADIA, the dental industry members will be consulted throughout the process," Mr Williams said.

Mr Williams concluded by saying that ADIA shares the view of the Australian Government that the creation of a joint regulatory scheme across both countries will safeguard public health and safety, while encouraging economic integration and benefitting industry in both countries.