Red Tape Reduction Must Be A Priority For New Health Minister

The peak business organisation representing manufacturers and suppliers of dental products, the Australian Dental Industry Association, has welcomed the appointment of the Hon. Greg Hunt MP as Minister for Health. In doing so, ADIA has signalled an intent to work with the new Minister to cut the red tape associated with supplying dental products.

"Red tape abounds in the dental industry. For importers of products it can be a challenge to bring new and innovative products to market as Australian regulatory requirements differ to those of comparable overseas markets. We look forward to working with Mr Hunt to remove the unnecessary regulatory duplication that increases the cost and time associated with introducing new dental products to the Australian market," said ADIA Chief Executive Officer Troy Williams.

According to ADIA, a major priority for Mr Hunt should be to ensure that the Australian Government's response to the review of medicines and medical device regulation is implemented in full and in a timely manner.

"ADIA is a strong advocate for a regulatory framework for dental products that is based on a risk management approach designed to ensure public health and safety, while at the same time freeing industry from an unnecessary regulatory burden. The Australian Government's proposed reforms go a long way to achieving this," Mr Williams said.

Mr Williams paid tribute to the former Minister, the Hon. Sussan Ley MP.

"ADIA found Ms Ley to be a highly accessible Minister attuned to the issues that dental product manufacturers and suppliers face. The changes to medicine and medical device regulation, which are supported by ADIA, are largely a result of her leadership," Mr Williams said.

ADIA expects to provide a briefing to the new Minister when parliament reconvenes next month.

"ADIA enjoys an excellent working relationship with Mr Hunt. In the environment portfolio our engagement was on several issues associated with dental product supply. More recently, as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science we were pleased to work with him on high-tech medical device manufacturing isssues," Mr Williams concluded.