The TGA, which is recognised by the World Health Organisation as Australia’s lead drug accreditation agency, has to date overseen the evaluation and approval of over 50,000 therapeutic goods and therapies in Australia, making it the most experienced and qualified entity in the country.

Marie Stopes International Australia Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms Jill Michelson said, “The TGA is well resourced and positioned to make an evidence-based assessment as to the efficacy of, as well as any risks pertaining to, the use of RU486.”

“Australia is well served by the TGA and the integrity and competence of their world’s best practice standards,” she said.

Marie Stopes International Australia has made a submission to the Senate Estimates Committee which is currently considering the Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Repeal of Ministerial responsibility for approval of RU486) Bill 2005.

Under the proposed Bill, existing Ministerial responsibility for the approval of RU486 would be removed from Minister for Health and Ageing, Tony Abbott and transferred to the TGA.

“Marie Stopes International Australia disagrees that any one person, in this case the Minister for Health and Aging, is better qualified and positioned to assess the suitability of RU486, or any drug for that matter, for clinical use in Australia.” Ms Michelson said.

“While we respect the right of Ministers to hold their own personal views on issues such as medical abortion, these views should not impact on independent, professional duties such as those overseen by the TGA. “

The Senate Estimates Committee is due to re-commence hearings on the Bill on the 3rd of February 2006.

For further information please contact:

Gail Carland
Public Relations Manager
Ph: 03 9658 7507