Poisons reforms cut red tape and save money

Thursday, 13 October 2016
 
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• ​New regulations support Medicines and Poisons Act 2014
• Liberal National Government reducing duplication to streamline business

Western Australia's pharmacy sector and medicine and poisons manufacturers will benefit from new regulations designed to streamline services and be more responsive to the needs of industry.

Health Minister John Day said the changes would include recognition by State authorities of licences issued by the Commonwealth to businesses that manufacture medicines and poisons.

"Pharmacies will no longer need to apply for a licence from the Department of Health, in addition to meeting assessment and regulation criteria of the Pharmacy Registration Board of Western Australia," Mr Day said.

"The removal of this requirement is expected to produce cash savings for the industry of about $60,000 a year.

"By cutting duplication, businesses will also benefit from greater convenience and time savings."

When enacted, the new regulations will support the Medicines and Poisons Act 2014, and will replace the Poisons Regulations 1965.

"Other changes include the removal of the requirement for wholesalers to hold a licence for Schedule 6 poisons, such as agricultural pesticides and domestic chemicals like oven cleaners," Mr Day said.

"This brings Western Australia into line with other States and Territories."

Finance Minister Sean L'Estrange said making business easier was fundamental to the Liberal National Government's reform agenda.

"Our continuous red tape reduction strategy is about supporting enterprise and backing WA job creation," Mr L'Estrange said.

The new regulations are expected to start in the first half of 2017.