The Therapeutic Goods Advertising Consultative Committee met on 21 March 2022. The Committee comprises a range of stakeholder organisations with an interest in the advertising of therapeutic goods in Australia. The Chair welcomed two new members, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Australian Natural Therapists Association. Members are appointed by the Minister for Health and Aged Care.
The Committee discussed a proposed methodology for determining the 2022-23 financial year compliance priorities. Members agreed to complete a survey to assist in determining the priorities, in particular in relation to the advertising of therapeutic goods.
The Committee discussed the issue of the supply of therapeutic goods that are not included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and considered whether allowing references to the TGA in advertising would enable consumers to more easily distinguish therapeutic goods that are on the ARTG. The Committee discussed the risks of such an approach including the potential for consumers to be misled as to the level of regulation the good had been subject to.
The Committee discussed:
- the results of the 2021 TGA Stakeholder Survey. Members noted the increased awareness of the TGA and the results regarding the targeted questions on therapeutic goods advertising and compliance, and noted the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on survey results
- a number of possible options for clarifying and enhancing the TGA's compliance powers and the processes surrounding restricted representation applications
- a proposal for a consumer education campaign on the mandatory statements required in advertising of therapeutic goods, including the TGA's desired consumer behavioural outcomes, and the role members might play in assisting the TGA with such a campaign.
The Committee noted the standing compliance report and members acknowledged the work of the TGA to remove non-compliant advertising from e-commerce platforms. The committee accepted the standing education report, and the forward committee workplan.
The next meeting is anticipated for July 2022.