CHC 2012 Parliamentary Reception

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20 March, 2012, Mural Hall, Parliament House, Canberra

Catherine King Keynote Address
In the presence of Industry leaders and fellow Parliamentarians, including Health Minister, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek, MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, (pictured left) formally opened the 2012 Reception.

Focusing on the future of the Industry post TGA Reviews, Ms. King discussed the program of work resulting from the Blueprint document released late last year, which encapsulated the Government’s package of reforms for the TGA. Ms. King noted that collaborative working and a consumer focus will be key aspects associated with implementing the reforms. She also remarked on the significance of the CM Industry.

“The Australian Government realises the importance of the complementary medicines industry to Australians, to our economy, and to the growing numbers of Australians who choose complementary medicines for their health and wellbeing.“

Ms. King’s full opening speech can be found on the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) website by clicking here.

 

                                                                                                                 
Above: Mark Bisset, Catalent; Dusko Pejnovic, Lipa Pharmaceuticals;   
Patricia Greenway, TGA Advisory Committee; Kelvin Thomson, MP

Parliamentarians in Attendance
We were delighted to welcome a number of politicians to the Reception, including Joel Fitzgibbon, Shayne Neumann, Bronwyn Bishop, John Alexander, Barry Haase and Senator Claire Moore to name a few. We were also joined by numerous political advisors, either accompanying politicians or representing those unable to make the Reception.

Industry Response
Responding to Ms. King’s opening was CHC President and Blackmores Director, Richard Henfrey. Mr. Henfrey provided an overview of the progression of the Industry over the last few years and outlined the future direction of the Industry and the CHC. He emphasised the continued collaboration between Industry and the TGA in implementing reforms and highlighted the recommendations set out in the CHC’s Pre-Budget Submission.

Left: Tanya Plibersek, MP; Richard Henfrey, CHC President


Consumer Engagement Program
Mr. Henfrey also formally introduced the CHC’s new consumer magazine, Naturally Australia, produced in conjunction with National Media Partner, Roxby Media. With photos from launch events across the country displayed on screens on stage, Mr. Henfrey drew attention to the accompanying Facebook page and website. He also noted that social media apps are being developed; the program truly engaging with a  community seeking independent professionally written advice on nutrition lifestyle and health. 

To find out more about Naturally Australia visit the Facebook page and Website.



Left: Frank Caruso, Totally Natural Products; Marcus Blackmore, Blackmores



Crowd Pleasers
Also addressing the crowd were Industry leaders Radek Sali, Swisse CEO and Dusko Pejnovic, Lipa Pharmaceuticals CEO. They discussed the reality of the current climates in innovation and manufacturing respectively. Mr. Sali noted the drive of the Industry to innovate and develop whilst challenged by a lack of protection around Intellectual Property. Mr. Pejnovic shared with the room staggering statistics around employment and export in the complementary medicines manufacturing sector and highlighted opportunities for future growth.

      Above: Krystyna Homik, Advisor to Senator Boyce; John Baker, Go Vita Springwood; Dr. Wendy Morrow, Executive Director CHC.