Media Releases – Page 7 – Medicines Australia

Medicines Australia welcomes new Board members

4 November 2022: Medicines Australia welcomes the successful appointment of four newly elected Board Directors and two re-elected Board Directors.

Chair of Medicines Australia, Dr Anna Lavelle, congratulated the six Board members.

“I am pleased to announce that Stuart Knight and James McDonnell have successfully been re-elected to the Medicines Australia Board and warmly welcome the appointment of new Directors; Josie Downey, Lizzie Marett, Nathalie McNeil and Prashant Nikam,” Dr Lavelle said.

“The appointment of these Board Directors comes at a pivotal time for Medicines Australia and our sector. Their deep industry knowledge and breadth of experiences will be a great benefit to ensure our industry can deliver better health outcomes for Australians.

“I would like to thank all the recently departed Board Directors for their significant service and contribution to the success of our organisation and the health system as a whole.

“I also wish to specifically acknowledge Selected Director, Bruce Goodwin, who has announced his retirement from the Board. I have worked closely with Bruce for many years and his wisdom and steadfast advice has been valued by all,” Dr Lavelle said.

“In the new year, the Board will start the search for a new Selected Director,” she added.

The six Directors will join the existing Board, bringing the current membership to eleven:

Dr Anna Lavelle (Chair)
Adam Roach (BeiGene)
Anne Harris (Pfizer)
Ashraf Al-Ouf (Bayer)
James McDonnell (CSL Vifor) – re-appointed
Josie Downey (Merck Healthcare) – new appointment
Lizzie Marrett (Astellas) – new appointment
Nathalie McNeil (AbbVie) – new appointment
Patrick Desbiens (GSK)
Prashant Nikam (MSD) – new appointment
Stuart Knight (Roche Products) – re-appointed

CEO of Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer, in welcoming the Board Directors, said it is a crucial time for health reform and improving patient access to innovative medicines.

“Medicines Australia is thrilled to welcome our newest and re-elected Board Directors at such a significant time in our country’s health system history,” Ms de Somer said.

“Under the Chair’s guidance, the Board have set us in good stead to shape health policy and reform our system for the future

“The strategic guidance from the Board will focus our efforts on ensuring Australia prioritises patients access to innovative medicines, treatments and vaccines,” Ms de Somer said.

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For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au
Margaret Cresswell – 0410 456 293 / margaret.cresswell@medicinesaustralia.com.au

ABOUT JOSIE DOWNEY (MERCK HEALTHCARE AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND) – new

Josie Downey was appointed Managing Director at Merck Healthcare (a small to medium sized biopharmaceutical company), in 2021. She brings over 25 years of industry experience across large and small companies, with strategic and operational market access, regulatory and commercial experience in Australia and Asia. In her regional and country leadership roles, she has led the commercialisation of countless medicines in public and private settings. With a significant breadth of experience and knowledge, she brings a genuine warmth, intelligence, strength and determination to set a clear path into the future.

Josie Downey from Merck Healthcare Australia and New Zealand

ABOUT LIZZIE MARETT (ASTELLAS AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND) – new

Early in 2020 Lizzie Marrett was appointed Managing Director of Astellas Australia & New Zealand. Part of the Japanese Astellas Pharma Inc, the Australian team draws on the strength and expertise of Astellas globally coupled with deep local industry knowledge. Her global experience has seen her manage multi-country teams, take on multiple directorships and be responsible for P&L of +€480m covering financial and commercial operations across Australia, New Zealand, UK and many European countries.

Lizzie Marett from Astellas Australia and New Zealand

ABOUT NATHALIE MCNEIL (ABBVIE AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND) – new

Nathalie McNeil has been working for AbbVie since 2019 and in 2022, was appointed Vice President and General Manager of AbbVie ANZ.

As a leader with more than 25 years of healthcare and pharmaceutical industry experience across a diverse range of general management, commercial and human resources roles, Nathalie brings a deep career history and expertise that will benefit Medicines Australia and industry. With her most recent experience as General Manager of Allergan, she has had the opportunity to observe the innovative medicines landscape from a different point of view and believe this unique perspective will be of value to a Board.

Nathalie McNeil from AbbVie Australia and New Zealand

ABOUT PRASHANT NIKAM (MSD AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND) – new Prashant brings more than 20 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry, including 17+ years of US inline/global oncology commercial experience. He has experience across health outcomes, reimbursement, access and commercial strategy and has demonstrated success in driving in-market and global product launches across oncology.

Prashant Nikam from MSD Australia and New Zealand

ABOUT JAMES MCDONNELL (CSL VIFOR) – re-elected

James McDonnell is an accomplished senior biopharmaceutical leader with over 30 years’ experience including the invaluable experience of establishing two original Australian affiliates with full profit and loss responsibility. He has a proven track record of success which can be attributed to building exceptional partnerships, creating a patient-centred focus, developing positive cultures whilst maintaining a high level of determination. Based in Melbourne, James is an established advocate for the small-to-medium size companies.

ABOUT STUART KNIGHT (ROCHE PRODUCTS) – re-elected Stuart Knight has more than 30 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, working with Roche (28 years) across a number of markets and in various roles within commercial, marketing, market access and senior management. He is a qualified and registered clinical pharmacist with experience in hospital and community sectors. Stuart brings extensive experience in commercial negotiation, medicines access and HTA with key government advisory bodies in publicly-funded (via taxation) reimbursement systems, including: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), UK; PHARMAC, NZ; National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), Hungary; and National Authority of Medicines and Health Products, I.P. (Infarmed), Portugal.

Independent Chair of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review will drive major reform of Australia’s health system

27 October 2022: Medicines Australia welcomes the appointment of Adjunct Professor Debora Picone AO as independent Chair of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review Reference Committee, announced today by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP and the extension of the HTA Review deadline until 31 December 2023.

Chair of Medicines Australia, Dr Anna Lavelle, said Adjunct Professor Picone AO will lead major reforms that will speed up access to innovative medicines for all Australians.

“The HTA Review will ensure Australia’s health system keeps pace with advancements in medical technologies and deliver faster access to new medicines for patients,” Dr Lavelle said.

“Reform of Australia’s HTA system is well overdue. We must reduce the time it takes for Australian patients to access innovative medicines, treatments and health technologies.

“Our health system must be modernised with a clear focus on patient needs and listening to patient perspectives.

“Adjunct Professor Picone AO and the HTA Review Reference Committee will be taking part in the first major review and reform of the HTA system in 30 years. It is a pivotal opportunity to improve this crucial process in accessing innovative medicines.

“The Board of Medicines Australia thanks Minister Butler for his consultative approach to the appointment of the Chair which signals the Government’s desire to work collaboratively with stakeholders on reforming HTA,” Dr Lavelle said.

CEO of Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer, said the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of rapid access to innovative medicines, vaccines and therapies.

“The much-anticipated reform of our HTA system can bring about change so all Australians have fast access not just to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, but all innovative medicines,” Ms de Somer said.

“Adjunct Professor Picone’s experience as CEO of the Australian Commission in Safety and Quality of Healthcare and other health-related committees demonstrates her appetite for change and ability to work with stakeholders to seize opportunities that will improve health outcomes of all Australians.

“The Chair has the important role of maintaining autonomy while working in partnership with Government, clinicians, industry and patients to improve Australia’s health system and meet future patient needs. Debora Picone is well known as an independent thinker, with a strong pragmatic and patient centred approach, which will be critical in driving true reform.

“Fast access to innovative medicines is fundamental to a healthy and productive population. The outcomes from the HTA Review must place patients and the community at the centre of Australia’s reimbursement system, so the real benefits of new medicines, treatments and vaccines are understood and valued,” Ms de Somer said.

The other Committee members are Mr John Young (Medicines Australia); Professor Andrew Roberts AM (Clinical/Scientific Expert); Professor Andrew Wilson (Chair of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee); Dr Dawn Casey PSM (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation – NACCHO); Ms Ann Single (Patient Voice Initiative); and Ms Adriana Platona PSM (Government Representative).

Medicines Australia has collaborated with members and stakeholders to develop a draft set of recommended terms of reference for the HTA Review Reference Committee to consider in their development of the scope of the Review.

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BACKGROUND

ABOUT ADJUNCT PROFESSOR DEBORA PICONE AO
(just appointed independent Chair of the HTA Review Reference Committee)

Adjunct Professor Debora Picone AO has been CEO of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care since 2012. She has had extensive experience and leadership positions in healthcare services in clinical, academic, hospital and area health. Adjunct Professor Picone was the Director-General of NSW Health from 2007 to 2011 and is a former nurse, giving her experiences and insights into the challenges that patients face when accessing cutting edge health care, medicines and technologies.

ABOUT JOHN YOUNG
(industry representative on the HTA Review Reference Committee)

John Young served as Group President and Senior Advisor to the Pfizer Chief Executive Officer prior to his retirement from Pfizer in mid-2022. A scientist by training, John has almost 35 years of experience with Pfizer and has held several senior positions across the organisation. John was Managing Director of Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd between 2004-2007 and was Chair of the Medicines Australia Board from 2006-2007. He also played an integral role in the collaborations that led to the successful development and delivery of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

October Budget 2022-23: A no surprise budget for health

25 October 2022: Medicines Australia welcomes tonight’s Budget which take steps towards addressing economic pressures and introduces new funding for PBS listings.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said tonight’s budget concentrates on alleviating the costs of living pressures and sets into motion election commitments.

“Tonight’s budget rightly focuses on easing the cost-of-living pressures Australians are facing and fulfils the election commitments made by the incoming Labor Government,” Ms de Somer said.

“Tackling the budget deficit must go together with strong investment in health. As COVID has shown us – a thriving economy depends on a healthy population who have rapid access to innovative medicines, treatments and vaccines.

“As expected, this budget is a prelude to the May budget where we would hope to see increased investment in health innovations, medicines and technologies that improve and save lives,” Ms de Somer said.

Medicines Australia acknowledges the reduced co-payment announcement and investment into accelerating efforts to close the health gap for First Nations people.

Significant budget announcements for the medicines sector includes:

COVID-19 vaccines and National Medical Stockpile – $355.8 million in 2022–23 for the distribution and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and $500.0 million in 2022–23 for the procurement of additional vaccines and treatments on the National Medical Stockpile.
Australian Centre for Disease Control – $3.2 million in 2022–23 to undertake the initial design for the establishment of an Australian Centre for Disease Control for infectious and chronic disease.
TGA digital and business transformation – $23.3 million provided over two years from 2022-23 to modernise the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) business systems. This will be fully cost recovered over 6 years from 2023-23 through changes to TGA cost recovery arrangements.
PBS Data Distribution Project – $13.2 million over 4 years from 2022–23 (with $0.7 million per year ongoing) to build data linkages between Services Australia systems and the Health Products Portal.

“We look forward to getting on with the job on a number of key agreements with Government, including the crucial reform of Australia’s Health Technology Assessment (HTA),” Ms de Somer said.

“Medicines Australia will continue to work with the Albanese Government to implement much needed change to modernise health systems and speed up the time it takes for Australian patients to access the latest medicines, vaccines and treatments.”

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Australian pharmaceutical industry representative group launches report on future of workplace inclusion

13 October 2022: Today, Medicines Australia Special Interest Group, Pharma Australia Inclusion Group (PAIG), launched their latest White Paper, The Future of Workplace Inclusion.

In collaboration with PAIG’s 25 pharmaceutical company member organisations, the White Paper was developed through a consultative process including one-on-one discussions with leaders, an anonymous virtual focus group with members’ employees and desktop review of a selection of primary and secondary research from within and outside of the pharmaceutical industry.

This consultative process resulted in the identification of five key themes for recommendations that encompass the future of workplace inclusion:

1. Connecting purpose to practice
2. Amplifying the impact of inclusive leadership
3. Attracting, developing, and retaining diverse capabilities
4. Applying an intersectional lens to segmented efforts
5. Embracing new ways of working.

This report calls for the pharmaceutical industry to be courageous and challenge the status quo, said PAIG co-chair, Fiona Sheppard, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead, ANZ, Johnson & Johnson.

“We must be at the cutting edge of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of the Australian innovative medicines industry. It shows how together we can build a robust, modern, and attractive industry in which everyone can thrive”, said Fiona.

The White Paper also highlights the impact COVID-19 has had, resulting in a rapid growth in the digital economy which has fundamentally changed the workplace, commented PAIG co-chair, Lee Davelaar, Senior Manager, Policy and Public Affairs, Pfizer Australia.

“We now have greater flexibility and trust to perform our work where and when we can. For organisations and individuals this has presented new opportunities, but also challenges that this White Paper and the next iteration of the PAIG program will explore”, said Lee.

“PAIG will examine how we evolve company’s diversity and inclusion offering to ensure it is integrated with this digital evolution of the workplace, looking beyond our industry to understand best diversity, equity and inclusion practices and, where applicable, embrace or adapt these practices for the benefit of our sector.”

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said this report delivers recommendations that can not only benefit individual companies but can embed principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the ecosystems in which we operate.

“On behalf of Medicines Australia and PAIG’s member organisations, we are proud to launch The Future of Workplace Inclusion. What makes the medicines industry a great place to work is that we embrace learning and new thinking. We are not afraid to make courageous decisions and we are committed to continuously improving,” said Elizabeth.

An event to mark the launch of the White Paper was held in Sydney today, attended by diversity and inclusion leaders from across the pharmaceutical industry. The event showcased the White Paper’s collaborative development process and the impact its recommendations will have on the future of workplace inclusivity in the Australian medicines industry.

Click here to read the report

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For media enquiries, please contact:
Elle McGlynn – SenateSHJ
elle@senateshj.com.au
0425 319 321

Aaron Prestipino – SenateSHJ
aaron@senateshj.com.au
0423 611 394

About PAIG

The Pharma Australia Inclusion Group (PAIG) is a special interest group of Medicines Australia. It was established in 2017 to build a more inclusive industry where all people are equally valued, rewarded and thrive. Originally named PAGE (Pharma Australia Gender Equity), the group evolved in 2020 to reflect a broader focus on diversity and inclusion. Inclusion is the foundation of equity and impacts all aspects of an organisation. Inclusive workplaces are key to strengthening talent attraction and retention and creating conditions that bring out the best in all people. PAIG is committed to establishing the pharmaceutical industry as a known leader in inclusion.

PAIG member organisations (listed in alphabetical order)

AbbVie
Amgen
Astellas
AstraZeneca
Bayer
BeiGene
Biogen
BMS
Boehringer Ingelheim
Eli Lilly Australia
Gilead
GSK
Healthcare Logistics/EBOS
Ipsen
Janssen (Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies)
Merck
MSD
Novo Nordisk
Organon
Pfizer
Roche
Sanofi
Takeda
UCB
Vifor

COVID-19 vaccine procurement review says rapid access to vaccines and treatments key to ongoing protection of Australians

27 September 2022: Medicines Australia welcomes the independent review of Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine and treatment procurements by Professor Jane Halton AO PSM – a highly respected former senior public official, chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and co-chair of the COVAX initiative.

The review has made eight recommendations that will inform the future purchasing and procurement of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

CEO of Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer, says the next phase of the pandemic will bring about its own set of challenges and the medicines industry will continue to rapidly deliver vaccines and treatments to Australians.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of having fast access to innovative vaccines and treatments,” Ms de Somer said.

“Australia now has a high vaccination rate against COVID-19, but we must not drop our guard. Maximum vaccinations and treatments will help protect the vulnerable, reduce the strain on our hospitals, lower mortality rates and support the recovery of our economy.

“Today’s report by Professor Halton highlights the importance of clear advisory structures, contemporary policy settings and evidence-based decision making to support effective management in an emergency.

“Medicines Australia and our members remain steadfast to continue our partnership with Government, working together with supply chain, clinicians, pharmacists, and patients to ensure Australia’s health system is fit-for-purpose and accelerates access to innovative medicines, vaccines and treatments that save and change lives.

“Now is an ideal time to implement the critical bold reforms that are urgently needed to ensure our systems are not only ready for the next health crisis, but ready for the next breakthrough innovation that is on the cusp of discovery.

“The upcoming review of Australia’s Health Technology Assessment (HTA) provides a perfect opportunity to bring in a new era of healthcare and to introduce streamlined ways to support fast access to innovative treatments such as the COVID-19 vaccine,” Ms de Somer said.

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National Medicines Policy draft strides ahead but still room for improvement

26 September 2022: Stakeholders have until tomorrow night to submit their feedback on the refreshed National Medicines Policy that will impact all Australians.

The National Medicines Policy (NMP) Review started in August 2021 but was paused until after the Federal Election to allow stakeholders more time to provide feedback.

CEO of Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer, said the new draft of the NMP – which was released under the new Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP – is an improvement from the original draft.

“The latest draft of the National Medicines Policy is strides ahead of the previous version and shows the Committee and Minister have heard the concerns of key stakeholders including the medicines industry, health experts and patients,” she said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of listening to the voices of health experts and patients, and it is encouraging to see the latest draft of the NMP has shown consideration for these voices and experiences.

“It is pleasing to see the latest draft of the NMP incorporates key recommendations that will create a more robust, equitable and future-focused NMP that will benefit all Australians.

“All Australians should have timely access to innovative, high-quality medicines and the revised NMP aims to deliver positive ways to eliminate health inequities that are experienced by priority groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“The NMP must remain future-fit and set us up for the innovative medicines and treatments that are just on the horizon. The NMP has not been reviewed in over 20 years and Australians cannot afford to let such an important policy languish on shelves for that long again.

“The final NMP must include stronger governance and evaluation frameworks – such as including a public annual report to assess effectiveness and a commitment to review the NMP every five years.

“Rightly so, the NMP recognises the importance of investing in medicine and the wide-reaching benefits this has for the individual patient, their family, community, economy and society as a whole,” Ms de Somer said.

The revised draft of the NMP is available on the Department of Health website and submissions are open until 27 September 2022.

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<< Previous: Restart of National Medicines Policy Review is welcome, but assurances needed over further consultation and feedback processes

Vale William Delaat AM

15 September 2022: On behalf of the Board, staff and members, Medicines Australia expresses our great sadness at the passing of former Chair and greatly respected industry leader, Mr William Delaat AM.

Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends at the passing of such a remarkable Australian.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said that Mr Delaat’s tenure on the Medicines Australia Board and as an industry leader over the years saw important gains in policy changes and investment in innovative medicines.

“Mr Will Delaat championed big thinking and passion for bringing innovative medicines to Australia and his well-respected leadership greatly benefited Australia’s health system and the patients that rely on it.

“He worked tirelessly in advocating for a sustainable, equitable health system and was rigorous in enacting reform that greatly improved the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

“Mr Delaat’s passing comes days before the 12-year anniversary of the signing of the historic MOU between the medicines industry and Government.

“Mr Delaat was instrumental in the negotiations of the 2010 MOU with the Australian Government which showed evidence of the close, trusting relationships he had built with industry, departments and government.

“He was a generous man, who shared his many years of experience and knowledge to propel forward initiatives that encouraged further research and investment in new medicines,” Ms de Somer said.

In 2012, Mr Delaat’s contributions were recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and he was awarded the Order of Australia for ‘his service to the pharmaceutical industry through roles with professional organisations, to the development of medicines policy and reform, and to the community.’

During his career Mr Delaat held executive positions in both Europe and Australia for MSD and AstraZeneca. Mr Delaat served on the board of Medicines Australia for 14 years and was chairman twice between 2008-2012, and 2003-2005.

Most recently, he served as a director at Pharmaxis and the Chair of the Pharmaxis Audit Committee. He is also the former Chair of EnGeneIC and was a non‐executive director of two start‐up companies, Kinela and Perx Health, between 2017‐21. He also held positions on the board of the National Return of Unwanted Medicines and not-for-profit organisation, One Disease.

Vale William Delaat.

Innovative medicines showcase will demonstrate the power of partnership at Parliament House next week

7 September 2022: The medicines industry, health experts, patients and government officials will gather in the Great Hall at Parliament House for the annual industry event ‘PharmAus22’, on Tuesday 13 September.

This year’s theme, ‘Partnering for Future Health’, highlights key lessons learned from the pandemic, including the importance of faster access to innovative medicines and vaccines.

From 6pm, an evening showcase will commence with an address from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP and Shadow Minister for Health, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston.

Following the Ministerial addresses, industry exhibitors – in partnership with patient groups – will be showcasing a variety of case studies for tackling diseases and new innovative medicines and technologies through interactive booths.

Innovations in the diseases of today – such as cancer, HIV and heart disease – cannot become diseases of the past without true partnership from Government, industry and the patient community. This showcase will demonstrate how collaborations are creating opportunities not only to tackle the problems of today, but to prepare for the health issues of tomorrow.

Up to 20 different exhibitors from across the health landscape will be available to answer questions and explain what innovations are on the horizon, including:

the process of working together to create new vaccines
collaborating with patient groups and using tools to better predict diseases
learning from the patient experience and applying augmented reality to better understand disease challenges
how patient communities and industry have worked together on the latest in integrated disease awareness campaigns, and
health programs being developed with the expertise of government, health professionals and patient groups.

Earlier that day from 1pm, four different panels will feature patient groups, government officials and experts from across the health sector to discuss the opportunities we must now build on to create bold reform that improved health outcomes for all Australians.

Award-winning journalist, Virginia Haussegger AM, will MC the panel discussions and focus on the large health reform agenda the new Government now faces.

The full PharmAus22 agenda:

From 12pm	Arrivals, afternoon tea and registration
12:50 – 1:00pm	Formalities Commence: Opening from MC, Virginia Haussegger
1:00 – 2:00pm	Session 1: Defining Future Health Dr Susie Nilsson, CSIRO Tamara Dawson, founder of Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) Professor Andrew Wilson, Chair of Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) Dr Anna Lavelle, Chair of Medicines Australia
2:10 – 3:20pm	Session 2: the power of the patient voice Dr Dawn Casey, Deputy Chair of National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Richard Keane, CEO of Living Positive Victoria Ann Single, Patient Voice Initiative (PVI) Jo Watson, Deputy Chair of Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)
3:30 – 4:30pm	Session 3: Partnering with Government Jerome Laxale MP, Member for Bennelong The Hon Dr David Gillespie MP, Member for Lyne Dr Mike Freelander, Chair of the standing committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport and Member for Macarthur Dr Gordon Reid MP, Member for Robertson
4:30 – 5:00pm	Session 4: Outcomes and Next Steps Virginia Haussegger AM, MC Elizabeth de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia
6:00 – 8:00pm	Cocktail reception and Industry Showcase continues in Great Hall Address from Minister Butler and Shadow Minister Ruston at 6:00 pm in Great Hall

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Parliament House event to shine a spotlight on the future of innovative medicines

31 August 2022: Experts in health, innovative medicines, patient advocacy and Government will gather at the Great Hall, Parliament House on 13 September for the annual “PharmAus22” event.

This year’s theme is Partnering for Future Health and builds on the current significant health reform agenda facing the Australian Parliament. There is considerable opportunity to improve health outcomes for all Australians with Government, industry, patients, clinicians and others in the health system working together.

Event MC, Virginia Haussegger AM, says now is the time to engage and drive significant change to improve the health of all Australians.

“We know Australia’s health system needs an urgent overhaul, so I’m thrilled to help lead discussions with Medicines Australia at this timely and critically important event.

“We must tackle the big issues around health reform and build stronger, healthier systems for our nation. A healthier Australia is in our grasp if we work together,” Ms Haussegger said.

Elizabeth de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia, said the event will look at ways different groups can work together to affect meaningful change.

“The new Government has a large health reform agenda ahead of them and we must all partner together to improve health outcomes for all Australians and speed up access to lifesaving and life-changing medicines, vaccines and treatments.

“This year’s discussion panels include representatives from the medicines industry, patient groups, scientists, clinicians and Government, and the debates will be relevant and timely and address issues affecting all Australians.

“We will also have an address from the new Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP, and Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston.

“It is an exciting agenda that looks at what we have been able to build during the pandemic and what opportunities there are just on the horizon for innovative medicines,” Ms de Somer said.

The full PharmAus22 agenda:

From 12pm	Arrivals, afternoon tea and registration
12:50 – 1:00pm	Formalities Commence: Opening from MC, Virginia Haussegger
1:00 – 2:00pm	Session 1: Defining Future Health Dr Susie Nilsson, CSIRO Tamara Dawson, founder of Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) Professor Andrew Wilson, Chair of Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) Dr Anna Lavelle, Chair of Medicines Australia
2:10 – 3:20pm	Session 2: the power of the patient voice Dr Dawn Casey, Deputy Chair of National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Richard Keane, CEO of Living Positive Victoria Ann Single, Patient Voice Initiative (PVI) Jo Watson, Deputy Chair of Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)
3:30 – 4:30pm	Session 3: Partnering with Government Jerome Laxale MP, Member for Bennelong The Hon Dr David Gillespie MP, Member for Lyne Dr Mike Freelander, Chair of the standing committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport and Member for Macarthur Dr Gordon Reid MP, Member for Robertson
4:30 – 5:00pm	Session 4: Outcomes and Next Steps Virginia Haussegger AM, MC Elizabeth de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia
6:00 – 8:00pm	Cocktail reception and Industry Showcase continues in Great Hall Address from Minister Butler and Shadow Minister Ruston at 6:00 pm in Great Hall

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Restart of National Medicines Policy Review is welcome, but assurances needed over further consultation and feedback processes

18 August 2022: Medicines Australia welcomes the restart of the National Medicines Policy Review, which was put on hold prior to the May Federal Election following calls from stakeholders who sought improved consultation.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the restart of the Review showed the Government’s commitment for Australians to have equitable and affordable access to medicines.

“The National Medicines Policy (NMP) affects all Australians, and this is the first time it has been reviewed in 20 years – so we have to get it right,” Ms de Somer said.

“The NMP sets the overarching policy direction for timely and affordable access to medicines for Australian patients, promotes the quality use of medicines, and supports a responsible and viable medicines industry.

“The modernised NMP should ensure Australia’s policy direction meets the needs of today’s modern medicines and is set up to support the arrival of the latest innovative medicines, vaccines, and treatments for Australian patients.

“We are pleased that the latest draft of the revised NMP acknowledges the innovations in medical care occurring now and in the future.

“The NMP Review is the start of a larger reform agenda – including the imminent Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review – that is focused on speeding up access to world-class medicines when people need them.

“The NMP should set the vision for how all Australians, across many diverse communities, access and use lifesaving and life-changing medicines. The Review of the NMP must consult widely and deeply to ensure the needs of these different communities are met.

“In welcoming the restart, Medicines Australia maintains the view that six weeks may not be enough for further meaningful consultation with all stakeholders.

“We also note that the NMP Expert Advisory Committee has not been re-convened to support the Review Chair, Professor Michael Kidd AM.

“We remain committed to ensure the NMP meets its objectives for timely access to safe and effective medicines for all Australians,” Ms de Somer said.

The consultation survey on the new draft NMP is open until 27 September 2022 and will be accompanied by a public forum and targeted consultations with key stakeholder groups. A final report is expected to go to Minister Butler before the end of the year.

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<< Previous: Government opts for additional consultation on National Medicines Policy (NMP) Review