The Coalition Government will support continued access to the ‘Australian Made’ logo for the Australian complementary healthcare industry after a recent review of consumer law changes and Country of Origin labelling. 

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Government was responding to the findings of the Complementary Medicine Taskforce and feedback raised by industry.

“The Coalition Government is listening to the feedback of the complementary healthcare industry regarding the unintended consequences of Country of Origin labelling reforms on their products,” Minister Andrews said.

“The Australian Made logo can be of great benefit to local industry as a universal, high brand recognition, point of difference to other products.

“Its use demonstrates to consumers that they can have the confidence that a vitamin or mineral supplement carrying the Australian Made logo has been manufactured in Australia to the highest quality standards.

“The Coalition Government will continue to support the industry’s remarkable export success by ensuring these Australian-based manufacturers can continue to claim ‘Australian made’ for their products."

The complementary healthcare sector is an important and growing contributor to Australia’s economic prosperity. The industry supports the employment of around 29,000 people and estimates show that exports are valued at around $1 billion.

“Under the changes, complementary medicines manufactured in Australia in production facilities regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration would be able to make the claim ‘Australian made’ and use the Australian Made logo.”

Recent changes to consumer law have led to some Australian-based complementary healthcare producers no longer being able to claim their product is made in Australia or carry the Australian Made logo.

The Coalition Government’s ambitious trade agenda is one aspect of our strategic plan to grow Australia’s economy, which has seen us sign free trade agreements with China, Japan, Korea and Indonesia, and other nations. This is part of our plan to provide more Australian businesses with access to new and bigger markets, to increase business sales and create more local jobs, further driving our economy.

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070