Key outcomes of the APVMA Board of Directors - Meeting APVMA 18 Canberra 9 February 2006

Disclaimer: The website version of APVMA Board meeting outcomes is not a complete or official record of the decisions taken by the APVMA Board and does not provide full details of those decisions. The official record of decisions is contained within the confidential Minutes and Resolutions of each meeting of the APVMA Board of Directors.

Meeting: APVMA 18 – CANBERRA – 9 February 2006

Strategic Planning for 2006-09

As part of its second meeting, the new Board identified the main strategic challenges facing the APVMA over the coming years taking into account input obtained from stakeholders. It was noted that while the APVMA must continue to deliver an effective regulatory program for agvet chemicals, there will be particular attention on the roles of different State agencies in the National Registration Scheme, strengthening of the APVMA compliance program, further improving operational efficiency, attracting and retaining appropriately skilled staff and ensuring the APVMA can respond quickly and effectively to emerging issues.

These themes will be incorporated in the draft 2006-09 Corporate Plan and 2006-07 Operational Plan which will be presented to the Board for consideration at its April meeting.

Updates on external reviews of the APVMA

The Board was updated on the progress of several reviews of particular relevance to the APVMA including the Australian National Audit Office [ANAO] performance audit, the review of the APVMA’s corporate governance framework and the Regulation Taskforce review.

Mid-Year Budget Review

The Board considered the mid-year review of the APVMA finances and agreed to revise the budget to reflect a slightly higher projected operating surplus for 2005-06 arising from better than expected sales of agvet chemicals and a continued strong focus on cost control within the APVMA.

CHEMICAL REVIEWS

There were no chemical review decisions at APVMA18, however, Directors received an update on developments with virginiamycin, diazinon and 2,4-D.

OTHER OUTCOMES

Principal Scientist Program

The Board was briefed on the progress of the APVMA’s Principal Scientist Program, which was established in August 2002. The Program has made significant progress towards its objectives, which are to:

  • improve the quality of scientific work within the APVMA
  • increase domestic and international awareness and international credibility of the APVMA
  • effectively manage science-related projects and issues within the APVMA.

The Board noted and commended key Program initiatives which include:

  • the implementation of a Standard on Good Regulatory Science Practice
  • work on developing an APVMA risk analysis framework to further strengthen regulatory science quality
  • continuing delivery of in-house training related to improving science quality
  • preparations for a Science Fellows Symposium to be hosted by the APVMA in late 2006.

Regulatory control of the Gudair Vaccine

The Board noted actions by the APVMA to improve safety information on the product label of the (Ovine Johnes Disease) Gudair vaccine aimed at further decreasing the risk of accidental self-injection and providing better instructions to medical practitioners should such incidents occur. Consideration is being given to additional means of communicating such information directly to relevant stakeholder groups.

Implementation of the Government Response to JETACAR

The Board received a report on progress towards implementing recommendations contained in the report of the Joint Expert Technical Advisory Committee on Antibiotic Resistance (JETACAR). Directors were advised that the APVMA has implemented most of its relevant JETACAR recommendations, including the review of virginiamycin and publication of data requirements for registration or extension of use of veterinary antibiotics. The APVMA is also seeking advice on the status of actions by other responsible agencies.

Final Regulation Impact Statement – Adoption of the JECFA approach for setting MRLs for Veterinary Chemicals

The Board noted that the Office of Regulation Review has approved the Final Regulation Impact Statement – Adoption of the JECFA Approach for setting MRLs for Veterinary Chemicals. This revised approach will now be implemented from 1 July 2006.

Community Consultative Committee (CCC)

The APVMA has advertised four CCC positions, including the position of Chair, which will be vacated in April 2006 as part of the normal membership recruitment process. In addition to media advertisements, the APVMA has directly contacted a wide group of individuals and community organizations for nominations.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Board will be held in Perth on 5 April 2006. The visit is in keeping with the Board’s practice of holding several meetings each year away from Canberra to enable interaction with stakeholders from different regions.

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