Code of Conduct
What is the Code of Conduct?
Medicines Australia’s Code of Conduct sets the standards for the ethical marketing and promotion of prescription pharmaceutical products in Australia. It complements the legislation requirements of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations and the Therapeutic Goods Act.
Code provisions include standards for appropriate advertising, the behaviour of medical representatives and relationships with healthcare professionals. Medicines Australia’s Code of Conduct, which was established in 1960, has been revised on a regular basis. Code of Conduct Edition 16 is available here
To ensure that the Code continues to reflect current community and professional standards and current government legislation, an extensive review of Edition 15 of the Code was completed in June 2009. More information about the Code of Conduct review is available here
Areas covered by the Code of Conduct include:
- Nature and Availability of Information and Claims – false and misleading claims, level of substantiating data
- Types of Product Information
- Promotional Material – advertisements, brand name reminders, competitions, gifts and offers
- Company Representatives – medical representatives
- Product Starter Packs
- Involvement in Educational Symposia, Congresses and Satellite Meetings – trade displays
- Sponsorship
- Research
- Relationship with the General Public
- Relationship with Healthcare Professionals – travel, hospitality, remuneration, entertainment, consultants and advisory boards
- Educational Events
- Administration of the Code – complaints process, committee membership
- Sanctions
- Appeals
- Monitoring
- Compliance Procedures
- Reporting
Contact Details for Questions or Complaints
If you have any concerns in relation to the activities of a prescription medicine company or wish to lodge a complaint please contact the Secretary, Code of Conduct Committee at Medicines Australia on 02 6122 8500 (9.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday) or send an email
For detailed information on the Code of Conduct please refer to the Code document on this website or contact Medicines Australia on 02 6122 8500.
Page updated: April 2011