MIFEPRISTONE

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:12): My questions, directed to the minister representing the Minister for Health, are:

1. Is the minister aware of media reports an application has been made to the Therapeutic Goods Administration for approval to market the drug mifepristone (or RU486 in Australia)?

2. If such approval is given, would it not be a requirement under section 82A(1) of our Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 that any administration of the drug for the termination of pregnancies is required to take place in hospital?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:13): I thank the member for his very important question. I will refer that to my colleague the Hon. Mr Hill, health minister, in another place and get back to you as soon as possible.