Complaints: a personal view

I recently complained to the Australian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (APMA) about the direct advertising to the public of a drug for impotence. The drug name was not directly mentioned, but its logo was a large red 'V'. The speedy manner in which the APMA dealt with my complaint impressed me. I was surprised to find that my complaint was upheld and that some aspects of the advertisement were found to breach the Code. I was, however, puzzled by being asked to keep the findings confidential until there had been an appeal. This does not seem to be the case for most other areas of justice, where the initial verdict is usually announced before appeal. The Annual Report of the Code of Conduct Committee suggests that 'external audiences' would not find the Committee's judgements of interest, in fact many would. My experience overall is a curate's egg—very good in some parts, but perhaps an undue emphasis on not publicising the findings.