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Role of the ACCM

The Advisory Committee on Complementary Medicines (ACCM) provides expert advice at the request of the Minister or Secretary for Health, on the safety, efficacy and manufacturing quality of a complementary medicine in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.

ACCM was formed in January 2010 under Regulation 39 of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990 and the members are appointed by the Minister for Health.

ACCM supersedes the Complementary Medicines Evaluation Committee (CMEC) and has an increased focus on the advisory role within the regulatory framework of complementary medicines.

Membership comprises of professionals with specific scientific, medical, clinical expertise as well as appropriate consumer health issues relating to complementary medicines.

Membership

Chair

Professor Evelin Tiralongo holds dual Australian and German registrations as a pharmacist, with postgraduate degrees in pharmacognosy and biochemistry, and over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical research in Australia and Germany. She is the Director of Griffith University's Clinical Trial Unit and the Discipline Head for Complementary Medicine Education in Pharmacy Programs at Griffith University. She has published widely, serves on several editorial boards, was a member of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Homeopathy Working Group and conducted CPD accredited Short Courses in Integrative Medicine for Pharmacists in Australia and New Zealand. Professor Tiralongo provides expertise in the field of pharmacognosy and biochemistry.

Members

Professor Colin Barrow is an Alfred Deakin Professor and Chair of Biotechnology at Deakin University where he has taught and researched chemistry and biotechnology. He has a PhD in Organic Chemistry (Natural Products Chemistry) and an MBA. Over the last 10 years, Professor Barrow has led research primarily in areas of food chemistry, biotechnology and nanomaterials. In particular, he has developed methods for producing omega-3 concentrates, stabilised omega-3 delivery systems, fermentation methods for omega-3 production and methods for extracting and isolating new ingredients from agricultural and marine biomass. Professor Barrow has also worked in both the pharmaceutical and nutrition industries. Professor Barrow provides expertise in the chemistry and manufacture of complementary medicines.

Dr John Edwards is a toxicologist and Occupational Hygienist with over 35 years' experience in the University sector, and extensive experience as a consultant. His research interests have included monitoring chemical exposures in workers and in the general public. He has been president of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygiene and is a founding member of the Australasian College of Toxicology and Risk Assessment. He has extensive experience in regulatory toxicology, and has been the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Chemicals Scheduling, has provided expert advice to the Advisory Committee on Safety of Medicines, National Health and Medical Research Council, the Department of Health and the Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Dr Edwards provides expertise in the field of toxicology.

Dr Joanna Harnett is a Senior Lecturer in Complementary Medicines at the University of Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health. She is also a Visiting Fellow at the University Technology Sydney Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine. She holds a PhD in Nutritional Pharmacology, Bachelor and Master of Health Science (complementary medicine). Dr Harnett is a previous board member of Australasian Integrative Medicine Association and the University of Sydney Faculty Board for Medicine and Health. She is currently a member of the Advisory Safety Monitor Boards for clinical studies evaluating complementary medicines safety and efficacy. Dr Joanna Harnett provides expertise in quality and safe use of complementary medicines in healthcare practice.

Dr Jennifer Hunter is a general practitioner and director of Health Research Group Pty Limited. Other roles include the International Society of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine Research, elected Board of Directors, and the Western Sydney University, NICM Health Research Institute, Research Advisory Committee Member and serves on several editorial boards for peer review journals. Dr Hunter has provided expert consultation to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and has expertise in the evaluation and translation of complementary medicine evidence into primary care clinical practice, health service delivery, and policy.

Dr Di Wen Lai graduated from Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a Bachelor of Medicine degree. She obtained a Graduate Diploma in Preventative Medicine from Edith Cowan University, WA and studied Medical Laboratory Science at Curtin University, Western Australia. Dr Lai is a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner and has a private practice in Perth. She is a member to the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia, appointed by the Health Council of the Council of Australian Government. Dr Lai provides expertise in the field of complementary medical practice (Chinese medicine) and naturopathy.

Ms Stephanie Newell is qualified in Occupational Health and Safety and has extensive experience in the provision of advice on consumer issues and patient safety and quality of care in health care regulation. She is a previous member of TGA's Statutory Advisory Committee on Chemicals Scheduling and the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Vaccines. Ms Newell provides expertise in the field of consumer health issues.

Associate Professor Hassan Vally is an Associate Professor in Epidemiology at Deakin University. He is involved in research in a number of areas, including infectious diseases, foodborne disease, nutrition, child health, asthma and Indigenous Health. He has considerable experience in the analysis and interpretation of health data in addition to having expertise in the understanding and critiquing of evidence in the health domain. He has background in a number of disciplines in addition to epidemiology, including molecular biology, virology and immunology. He also has considerable expertise in science communication. Dr Vally provides expertise in the field of epidemiology.

2022 ACCM proposed meeting dates

Contact details for the ACCM