Australian Drug Evaluation Committee

Earlier release of ADEC minutes

Earlier release of ADEC minutes The 1991 Baume Report recommended that the full minutes of each ADEC meeting be available within 20 working days. A subsequent review of administrative support for the Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) conducted in 1996 by Mr Tom Hayes AO declared that 20 working days was impractical and recommended 30 working days.

Increased use of technology has provided the opportunity to circulate the minutes and ratify them out of session, allowing earlier release to sponsors. The Health Communications Network originally established a secure on-line Internet discussion forum for the National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee to allow the ratification of minutes between meetings. Trials followed the October 1997 ADEC meeting, and the Pharmaceutical subcommittee commenced using it in February. Despite some difficulties with system compatibility between the secretariat and members, the procedure is showing promise.

It is anticipated that, following upgrades to departmental hardware and software completed by July, all ADEC and PSC minutes will be routinely ratified out of session and available to sponsors within 30 working days.

Retirement of long serving members

Several long serving members of the ADEC have recently retired. Dr Ross Bradbury, Director, Department of Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Concord Hospital, was a member of ADEC for seven years (six years as a core member) and a member of ADRAC for eleven years. He served on the National AIDS Task Force in its hectic early years and has also assisted on committees with the Department of Veteran's Affairs and with the NSW State Government.

Associate Professor Terence (Terry) Campbell, Director, Coronary Care, St Vincent's Hospital & Professor to the Schools of Medicine, Physiology & Pharmacology, University of NSW, was an associate member of ADEC for six years but has been an active contributor to the department for many years. During 1996, he was a member of the Reference Group which supported the KPMG review into the TGA.

Dr Julia Fleming, specialist in Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Monash Medical Centre was an associate member of ADEC for six years.

Former Deputy Secretary Mr Ian Lindenmayer attended the December 1997 meeting of the ADEC to pay tribute to the contributions made by those retiring and other members. The appointment of new members by the Minister is expected shortly.