22 October 2013 - The Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) has welcomed the appointment of Catherine King as the new Federal Shadow Health Minister in the Labor ministry, just announced by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.
Ms King replaces Labor's former health minister Tanya Plibersek, who has been elevated on the opposition front bench to Deputy Leader and Foreign Affairs Minister.
"ASMI enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Catherine King during her former role as Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing. During this time, Ms King was engaged and accessible on all matters affecting the over-the-counter and complementary medicines industry and ensured that a pragmatic approach was taken to the vast number of regulatory reforms, particularly the labelling and packaging review which is still underway.
"ASMI also congratulates Shayne Neumann on his appointment as Shadow Minister for Ageing and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs.
"Both Ms King and Mr Neumann were instrumental in maintaining open dialogue between the industry and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on major issues that impacted the non-prescription healthcare sector. ASMI looks forward to continuing this positive working relationship and keeping both shadow ministers abreast of important developments within the industry."