Position statement on associations between tobacco companies and pharmaceutical entities engaged in healthcare
25 September 2024: Medicines Australia notes the extensive work undertaken by the Commonwealth Government, Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler MP, and others in the control and regulation of unregulated, non-approved vaping products.
In respect of the public discourse on this health issue Medicines Australia has the following position:
- 1. Medicines Australia recognises the negative role that tobacco/vaping play in respiratory health, and that it is fully demonstrated by the available evidence.
- 2. Medicines Australia opposes tobacco companies assuming control of companies that provide technologies to treat respiratory and other health conditions.
- 3. Medicines Australia opposes associations between healthcare companies and organisations that act in a way to undermine the health of populations and individuals.
- 4. Medicines Australia is committed to compliance with the Australian Competition and Consumer Act (2010). It also acknowledges the freedom and independence of research-based pharmaceutical companies to make their own commercial decisions, in the best interests of their organisations and customers, and act in a manner which complies with competition laws.
- 5. Medicines Australia will continue promote health as the primary consideration in all our activities and those of our members, and the introduction of appropriate health policies to ensure Australians have access to the best medicines and the best health outcomes as soon as they are available.