Issues | Information
This section contains facts, information, policy issues and Medicines Australia publications.
The pharmaceutical industry undertakes the discovery, development, production and supply of medicines and vaccines needed to save lives, prevent disease and otherwise assist in maintaining quality of life. Every year thousands of Australians are saved from hospitalisation, surgery and death as a result of using medicines discovered by the pharmaceutical industry.
The Australian medicines Industry contributes $18 billion a year to the Australian economy and makes a significant contribution to the health of all Australians.
- Our member companies employ 14,000 Australians in high-value jobs and attract $1 billion a year in R&D investment.
- Medicines Australia members export goods worth $4.12 billion a year.
- The industry has continued to export more goods around the world than any other hi-tech industry, including the car industry, the wine industry, and scientific and medical equipment.
- In 2009, more than 18,000 Australians participated in clinical trials.
Page updated: December 2009