Question Without Notice No. 564 asked in the Legislative Council on 14 August 2018 by Hon Colin Tincknell
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
THERAPEUTIC GOODS ADMINISTRATION — MEDICAL CANNABIS — APPLICATIONS
564. Hon COLIN TINCKNELL to the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health:
In March 2018, the Therapeutic Goods Administration introduced a single online application process to expedite approval of medical cannabis applications. This online system has been successfully implemented by other states. However, the system is still pending in WA, with many patients facing lengthy delays in obtaining approval as they deal with commonwealth and state application processes.
(1) What is the expected ''go live'' date for the single application process for medical cannabis in WA?
(2) What is the reason for the delay in implementing the single application process?
(3) Will the 15-member medical advisory committee currently dealing with applications be involved in the new streamlined process?
(4) If yes to (3), to what extent will they be involved?
(5) Can the minister assure applicants that applications will be dealt with within 48 hours?
Hon ALANNA CLOHESY replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) The expected date of commencement is September 2018.
(2) The single online process relies on an IT system owned by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. The exact date of commencement is dependent on the TGA.
(3) The cannabis-based product assessment panel will not have any routine involvement in decisions on authorising the prescribing of a cannabis-based product.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) All completed applications will have a decision made within 48 hours.