Generic Medicines Working Group (GMWG) Communique - 12 November 2015
Page last updated: 27 January 2016
The second meeting of the GMWG was held in Sydney on 12 November 2015.
Attendees
Attendees included co-Chairs Mr Allan Tillack, Chairman of the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) and Mr Andrew Stuart, Deputy Secretary, Department of Health. In addition, representatives from GBMA, the Department of Health and Australian Healthcare Associates (AHA) were in attendance.
Purpose
To hear a presentation on the operation of price disclosure, and discuss the proposed work for each of the four GMWG sub-groups.
Outcomes
The Department of Health and AHA gave a presentation regarding the operation of price disclosure, covering an overview of the process itself, the data used, dispute mechanisms, and the changes resulting from the recent reforms. During discussions GBMA raised what they saw as potential issues from the reforms. It was agreed to discuss these issues further in the Pricing Policy, Supply and Viability sub-group.
The group noted the Minister’s agreement to the four policy priorities for the GMWG, and agreed an approach to managing the four sub-groups, with each party taking the lead for two priorities. As part of a commitment to transparency and engagement, GMWG confirmed that other stakeholders will be invited to participate in sub-group meetings as and when appropriate.
Next steps
GBMA and the Department will develop work plans for the sub-groups they are leading, and both parties will advise members for the sub-groups ahead of the first meeting of each group in late 2015 or early 2016.
The next GMWG meeting is tentatively scheduled for late February 2016.
