CENTRAL COMPLAINTS MAIL BOX

Complaints about advertisements for therapeutic products in Australia

There is an integrated three-tier system of controls for the advertising of therapeutic goods in Australia. The Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code provides the standard for all advertising that is directed to consumers. In addition, there are industry codes of practice.

Regulation -

Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 and Regulations 1990 administered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

The TGA has overall responsibility for the successful operation of the co and self-regulatory systems and for achieving compliance with outcomes of determinations.

Co-regulation –

A partnership between government and stakeholders, including consumers, manufacturers and suppliers, advertising industry, media, and healthcare practitioners.

The Complaints Resolution Panel (CRP) receives considers and determines complaints about advertisements directed to consumers in TV, radio, the internet, newspapers, magazines, displays (except inside individual shops) and cinematographic film.

Self-regulation –

Complaints about advertisements directed to consumers in all other media (e.g. leaflets, brochures, catalogues, shelf talkers) and complaints about advertisements directed to healthcare professionals.

Industry complaints panels in each sector (Medicines Australia - prescription medicines; Australian Self-Medication Industry (ASMI) OTC/complementary medicines; Complementary Healthcare Council (CHC) complementary medicines; Medical Industry Association of Australia (MIAA) medical devices) address these complaints.

SEND ANY COMPLAINT ABOUT AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR A THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT TO:

PO Box 764
North Sydney NSW 2059

or you can submit your complaint by using our new online complaint submission form

It will be forwarded immediately to the appropriate complaints committee for consideration and determination.

Click here to view our 2007 Complaints Summary document.