5 years ago
MINISTER HUNT MUST EXPLAIN ELLUME TGA REVIEW REQUEST
CHRIS BOWEN MP
After an explosive revelation last night on Channel 9, the Health Minister must answer why he requested the Therapeutic Goods Administrator review the ban of a DIY-flu test whose company Chair has donated $567,930 to the Liberal and Liberal National Parties.
In May this year straight after the Federal election, Minister Hunt requested the TGA review the Ellume device amongst other DIY-flu testing products. The Chair of Ellume, Mr Paul Darrouzet has donated nearly $600,000 to the Liberal and Liberal National Parties since 2014. Ellume also received a $1 million grant under the Abbott Government in 2015.
The TGA is a regulatory body that fits under the Department of Health and makes independent decisions about regulating Australia’s therapeutic goods including prescription medicines, vaccines, sunscreens, vitamins and minerals, medical devices, blood and blood products. There are currently seven statutory advisory committees to provide independent advice on the regulation to the TGA.
This unprecedented request for the TGA to review the regulation of technology after such a large donation was made to the Liberal Party raises huge concerns about the Minister’s integrity.
During the Channel 9 segment, a statement from Greg Hunt claimed that the TGA had requested approval of a review from the Minister for Health’s office. If this is true, Minister Hunt should make public the request from the TGA.
This blatant misuse of a respected independent process is the latest in a line of politicisation from Minister Hunt, after awarding MRI Medicare licences worth $1.9 million each in annual benefit to a Liberal Party Vice President and Liberal Party donors earlier this year.
Greg Hunt needs to stop misusing government processes to run favours for his mates, and start taking action on the record high out of pocket costs and waiting lists in Australia’s health system.
In May this year straight after the Federal election, Minister Hunt requested the TGA review the Ellume device amongst other DIY-flu testing products. The Chair of Ellume, Mr Paul Darrouzet has donated nearly $600,000 to the Liberal and Liberal National Parties since 2014. Ellume also received a $1 million grant under the Abbott Government in 2015.
The TGA is a regulatory body that fits under the Department of Health and makes independent decisions about regulating Australia’s therapeutic goods including prescription medicines, vaccines, sunscreens, vitamins and minerals, medical devices, blood and blood products. There are currently seven statutory advisory committees to provide independent advice on the regulation to the TGA.
This unprecedented request for the TGA to review the regulation of technology after such a large donation was made to the Liberal Party raises huge concerns about the Minister’s integrity.
During the Channel 9 segment, a statement from Greg Hunt claimed that the TGA had requested approval of a review from the Minister for Health’s office. If this is true, Minister Hunt should make public the request from the TGA.
This blatant misuse of a respected independent process is the latest in a line of politicisation from Minister Hunt, after awarding MRI Medicare licences worth $1.9 million each in annual benefit to a Liberal Party Vice President and Liberal Party donors earlier this year.
Greg Hunt needs to stop misusing government processes to run favours for his mates, and start taking action on the record high out of pocket costs and waiting lists in Australia’s health system.