ASMI Award for Excellence & Distinguished Service Awards
ASMI Award for Excellence
ASMI has celebrated its long-serving former Executive Director, Juliet Seifert, awarding her its highest honour, the Award for Excellence, at the 2010 ASMI Conference.
Juliet, who stood down in August as Executive Director after 21 years, was presented the honour by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Ageing, Jane Halton.
Juliet’s enormous contribution to the health industry was applauded by Ms Halton, who described her as a trailblazer within the industry.
“If we say to ourselves who are the significant people we knew in various parts of the health world, Juliet would be on our list. She has always been there.
“She is fair. She is tough when she needs to be but she is balanced and, of course, she is as smart as paint. She has terrific integrity and, as a partner, is someone that we can work with. I do think that is an invaluable commodity. It is something that you can’t bottle, you can’t brand, and you can’t affect.”
Lloyd Sansom, Emeritus Professor in the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences at the University of South Australia, and Chair of the Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee, said that Juliet played a vital role in the establishment of Australia’s National Medicines Policy, and she contributed not only to the advancement of the medicines industry, but to the health sector as a whole.
“I am proud of what she has contributed to health policy in this country. She has not been self-centred, she has been visionary.
“So Juliet thank you. Your contribution has set this country up in medicines policy in a way that no other country in the world has, and your contribution was pivotal in doing that.”
In reply, Juliet thanked the industry for its support, and outlined the approach that has guided her leadership and the direction of the Secretariat.
“I thank you all for your support over many years and even more for what so many of you have taught me over those years.
“The focus was always on trying to contribute constructively to initiatives that should ultimately lead to better meeting consumer needs and consumer expectations, and more importantly, improved health outcomes.”
Juliet said some key principles that have driven her work include a preparedness to question the status quo, independence of thought, and building mutuality with the key players in healthcare.
The award is ASMI’s highest honour and recognises an individual's outstanding service to the Australian Self Medication Industry.
Past winners are: Sol Cohen, Contract Pharmaceutical Services of Australia (2006); Alan & Jane Oppenheim, Ego Pharmaceuticals (2005); Sue Akeroyd, Sue Akeroyd & Associates (2004); Mark Bowden PhD, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare (2003); Anthea Steans, Boots Healthcare (2002).
Recipients receive a hand painted didgeridoo - a reminder of ASMI's commitment to a unified voice.
Distinguished Service Awards
These Awards honour ASMI member company representatives who have demonstrated commitment and passion in their contribution to ASMI's activities.
The 2010 Awards were presented at the ASMI Annual Conference Dinner on Thursday 18 November 2010 by Jane Halton PSM, Secretary of the Department of Health & Ageing. The recipients were:
Elizabeth Ng, Regulatory Affairs
Peter Kissane, Quality & Technical Management
Mike Cocks, Advertising & Communications
Past winners are: Bill Curtis, CJB (2007); Bronwyn Capanna, ACCORD (2007); Tony Miller, NZSMI (ASMI's sister assocation in New Zealand) (2007)