Joint media release with the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing the Hon Michael Sukkar MP

The Morrison Government is strengthening the local complementary medicine industry and safe-guarding its export markets, with eligible products to again be able to be sold as ‘Made in Australia’ and with the ‘Australian Made’ logo.

The Government, with support from the states, has introduced an interim measure to allow access for complementary medicines that meet certain manufacturing eligibility requirements.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the changes reflected the best interests of consumers, industry and the economy.

“The Morrison Government is a strong supporter of local business and manufacturing, that’s why we acted as quickly as possible to resolve the unintended consequences of country of origin labelling laws,” Minister Andrews said.

“We listened to the sector and the public to understand what would be best for all stakeholders and that’s seen us bring in this interim measure.

“This will allow the local industry to continue to expand our $1 billion plus export market for complementary medicines, securing jobs into the future.”

In the meantime, we’re initiating changes to the Australian Competition and Consumer Act to permanently reinstate access to Australian origin claims for complementary medicines.

As part of those changes, to help consumers, we’ll be requiring businesses to include a bar chart showing the proportion of Australian ingredients, if they choose to claim their products as Australian under the new law. This is consistent with the requirements around country of origin labelling for food.

Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar said these changes would offer an opportunity to grow the Australian economy. 

“Sensible refining of our country of origin labelling framework will allow the Australian public to continue to have confidence in supporting local businesses and allow those businesses to grow their exports overseas,” Minister Sukkar said.

There is no change for products that meet existing requirements. Making a country of origin claim remains voluntary for complementary medicines.

For more information on the changes to country of origin claims for complementary medicines visit legislation.gov.au

Media contacts:

Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070

Minister Sukkar's office 02 6277 7230