Registration / Licensing – Government Issues
Registration is an ongoing issue for members, and VMDA is at the forefront of negotiations with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority as a member of the Industry Liaison Committee, Industry Technical Committee, and by providing members, expert advice,and submissions for working parties on a wide range of matters affecting the animal health industry. Particular achievements include:
- Limiting and favourable re-structuring of fees and cost recovery.
- Development of label harmonisation with New Zealand.
- Data Protection Agreement.
Manufacturers Licensing has been a specific area of involvement for VMDA since the inception of the Licensing Scheme in the early 1990s. As a key member of the Manufacturers Licensing Committee we have helped to ensure that the scheme did not damage Australian industry, while achieving the APVMA’s objectives. The result – good ‘Australian Made’ products.
Ongoing issues in manufacturers licensing continue to be addressed, and VMDA is vigilant in ensuring that changes are relevant and fair to Australian industry.
- Appointment of veterinary-specific auditors.
- Provision for small manufacturers, e.g. reporting structure.
These are just two of the significant achievements as a result of VMDA’s active involvement in this area.
Waste Disposal & Collection is increasingly a major issue. The professional management of used containers and packaging through DrumMuster, and the collection of industry waste via the government-sponsored ChemCollect and the flow-on ChemClear programs have been guided by VMDA as a key member of the initial working parties and subsequent management groups.
VMDA has been able to ensure that the final form of these programs recognises the particular status of its members and others in the veterinary pharmaceutical segment of the industry, and that the consequent requirements are appropriate and do not impose unnecessary costs on our industry.
Quarantine is a crucial aspect of government protection of our Australian primary industry and exports. VMDA maintains a close relationship with AQIS through working groups and technical input, with the result that our high standard of protection is maintained, while allowing industry to operate on a viable basis.