Numbers doubtful for transtasman drug agency

Annette King

The Government has warned of damage to economic relations with Australia if National fails to support a long-planned transtasman drug agency.

Work on a joint regulatory regime has been under way since the 1990s when National gave the idea the go-ahead.

A treaty was signed in 2003 and this year the Government announced details of the draft rules governing the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Agency.

It is to jointly regulate prescription and over-the-counter medicines, medical devices and blood products, replacing Medsafe.

The Government has already invested $4.8 million in the plans and wants to introduce legislation by the end of next month.

But only the Maori Party and United Future are actively considering supporting it.

State Services Minister Annette King said yesterday National was "not categorically" ruling out support.

She would not say whether she believed the legislation had to be introduced next month to meet a February/March start date for the agency.

"But if I can't get the support for the legislation then it would be pointless bringing it in to Parliament and that would be the end of it, I would imagine."

Ms King said failure would have transtasman ramifications.

"I'd say it would be a very sad day for our relationship with Australia.

"If they turn it down for what the Australians don't see as good reasons, it will put back the progress we have been making in terms of a domestic economic market with Australia very many years."

National health spokesman Tony Ryall said that over the past couple of years, the party had offered to work with the Government to get an acceptable arrangement.

But Ms King had rebuffed those invitations and "blundered on alone".

She could not now demand support after negotiating a deal that would cripple New Zealand businesses and deny choice to tens of thousands of consumers.