Media Release
13 January, 2010
DOES IT DO WHAT
IT SAYS ON THE LABEL?
Australia urgently needs a single Code of Conduct to ensure health consumers know that
medicines and other therapeutic goods they buy have been promoted ethically and deliver the
claimed health benefits, the Executive Director of the Consumers Health Forum, Carol Bennett,
said today.
“The numerous industry codes of conduct - largely monitored - have created a perception that the
system of review and complaint is closed and secretive and, in some cases, operates in the
industry’s interests.
“Some in the pharmaceutical industry would acknowledge that the current system is grossly
inefficient and out of date and can be improved, probably with considerable cost savings,” she said.
Ms Bennett cited as one area of concern the extraordinary and unregulated growth of online
pharmacies which sell a range of medicines and ‘miracle cures’ without normal checks and
balances.
She was speaking before a scheduled meeting next week with the Parliamentary Secretary for
Health, the Hon Mark Butler, MP to discuss the need for a single code of conduct.
“The Consumers Health Forum is pleased that Mr Butler is supporting a review of the current
system of regulating the advertising, promotion and the complaints procedure covering therapeutic
goods,” Ms Bennett said.
“We welcome a serious attempt by government and industry to provide a transparent, accountable
and rigorous process that affords protection to Australia’s health consumers.”
CHF calls for:
A single code covering both complaints and advertising and promotional activities by
industry;
A single and independent complaints mechanism with full public disclosure;
A single monitoring system; and
Sanctions for non-compliance which go beyond just simple retraction of claims and impose
significant penalties.
“CHF accepts that individual industries have their own issues and requirements but we believe it is
quite feasible that an overarching ‘principles-based’ code can be developed to cover the whole of
the industry while addressing sectoral issues,’ she said.
For further information contact: Peter Logue – 02 61627504 or 0402 067 614
NEWS 
