Published Wednesday, 28 March, 2007 at 03:00 PM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
COMPLEMENTARY HEALTHCARE CONFERENCE OPENS IN BRISBANE
Minister for State Development John Mickel opened the Complementary Healthcare Council Sponsors Obligation Conference in Brisbane today by announcing $50,000 towards an industry scholarship.
Mr Mickel welcomed more than 200 delegates and speakers from throughout Australia and overseas, including leading researchers, academics, manufacturers and regulators.
“The complementary healthcare industry is enjoying strong growth but there is increasing consumer expectation for scientific research to support the claims of manufacturers,” Mr Mickel said.
“This two-day conference will give industry representatives the opportunity to exchange experiences and collaborate with regulatory bodies like the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia.
“Topics for discussion include how to enhance industry practices, innovation and technological advances in the industry.
“I am also pleased to announce that the Queensland Government will provide $50,000 towards a Complementary Medicines Community Health Economics Scholarship - a three-year research project into the economic benefits of complementary medicines.
“The scholarship will be undertaken at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Queensland. The scholarship, worth $300,000 will be co-funded by the University of Queensland, Department of State Development, Symbion Consumer and the Complementary Healthcare Council. This level of industry involvement shows the industry is willing to invest in its future.”
Mr Mickel said complementary healthcare products included vitamin, mineral and nutritional supplements, herbal products, homeopathic and sports supplements sold through both retail outlets and healthcare practitioners.
He said a number of major manufacturers are based in Queensland including Symbion Health, Sigma Herron, Mediherb and Health World.
“The Department of State Development has worked hard to foster collaborations between industry and local research organisations including the University of Queensland and Griffith University,” Mr Mickel said.
“The pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals industry is a priority sector within the Queensland Government’s Smart Queensland: Smart State Strategy 2005-2015.
“Subject to Cabinet and budget approval a new Queensland Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals Action Plan will be released later in the year.
“This new Action Plan will reflect the changing pace and nature of the industry. It will centre on getting more recognition for the industry, boosting exports, promoting innovation, developing skills and supporting research.”
The Complementary Healthcare Council Sponsors Obligation Conference is on at the Hilton Hotel, Brisbane, 28-29 March. Speakers include Dr David Graham, National Manager of the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Anne Wilkie from the Canadian Health Food Association and Janelle Casey, National Manager of Health, Biotechnology and Wellbeing with Austrade.
For more information on the Conference, visit www.chc.org.au.
_________________________________________
Media contact: Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
Mr Mickel welcomed more than 200 delegates and speakers from throughout Australia and overseas, including leading researchers, academics, manufacturers and regulators.
“The complementary healthcare industry is enjoying strong growth but there is increasing consumer expectation for scientific research to support the claims of manufacturers,” Mr Mickel said.
“This two-day conference will give industry representatives the opportunity to exchange experiences and collaborate with regulatory bodies like the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia.
“Topics for discussion include how to enhance industry practices, innovation and technological advances in the industry.
“I am also pleased to announce that the Queensland Government will provide $50,000 towards a Complementary Medicines Community Health Economics Scholarship - a three-year research project into the economic benefits of complementary medicines.
“The scholarship will be undertaken at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Queensland. The scholarship, worth $300,000 will be co-funded by the University of Queensland, Department of State Development, Symbion Consumer and the Complementary Healthcare Council. This level of industry involvement shows the industry is willing to invest in its future.”
Mr Mickel said complementary healthcare products included vitamin, mineral and nutritional supplements, herbal products, homeopathic and sports supplements sold through both retail outlets and healthcare practitioners.
He said a number of major manufacturers are based in Queensland including Symbion Health, Sigma Herron, Mediherb and Health World.
“The Department of State Development has worked hard to foster collaborations between industry and local research organisations including the University of Queensland and Griffith University,” Mr Mickel said.
“The pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals industry is a priority sector within the Queensland Government’s Smart Queensland: Smart State Strategy 2005-2015.
“Subject to Cabinet and budget approval a new Queensland Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals Action Plan will be released later in the year.
“This new Action Plan will reflect the changing pace and nature of the industry. It will centre on getting more recognition for the industry, boosting exports, promoting innovation, developing skills and supporting research.”
The Complementary Healthcare Council Sponsors Obligation Conference is on at the Hilton Hotel, Brisbane, 28-29 March. Speakers include Dr David Graham, National Manager of the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Anne Wilkie from the Canadian Health Food Association and Janelle Casey, National Manager of Health, Biotechnology and Wellbeing with Austrade.
For more information on the Conference, visit www.chc.org.au.
_________________________________________
Media contact: Elouise Campion 3224 6784.