A survey of stakeholders of the TGA was conducted in July 2016. Key stakeholders identified through TGA mailing and client listings were invited to log in to an online survey and provide feedback across a range of service areas.

The survey was developed by the TGA in conjunction with the Market Research Unit. The final methodology for the survey, including the questionnaire, was approved by the Australian Bureau of Statistics Statistical Clearing House.

Key focus areas for the survey were:

• Reputation and trust in TGA;
• Risk management;
• Communications and information;
• TGA information website;
• TGA Business services website; and
• TGA Consultations and events.

The survey was open from 7 July 2016 until 20 July 2016. During the survey period potential participants were invited to participate via an individualised email. To encourage participation, non-respondents were issued with up to three reminder emails throughout the survey period.

A total of 21,296 participants were invited to take the survey. Response rates are outlined in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1: Response rates

As outlined above, 3,091 emails were identified as invalid and 14 were identified as out of office for the entire period of the survey. Amongst the valid group of emails in the sample (n=18,191), 3,607 survey log-ins were recorded, with 2,797 providing valid responses to the survey. Based upon the invitation numbers, the final response rate for the survey is 13% (or 15% based upon the known valid sample of 18,191).

Data was downloaded directly from the Qualtrics survey host site in .xls format. Analyses were conducted in Microsoft Excel. Analyses consisted of basic cross tabulations across all question sets and major variables of interest and comparison of results (where available) across previous surveys.

A feature of the survey design was to allow all respondents to opt out of individual questions or progress through the survey without answering all questions. Where possible, questions were not compulsory, allowing for no response to be provided. Whilst minimising survey drop outs, this structure has implications for the data that results from the survey, with varying levels of completion applicable to each question in the survey. Analyses in this report are based upon only those participants who answered each question, excluding those who did not answer.