Current Consultations

Research Australia regularly contributes to the policy discussions on issues pertinent to Health and Medical Research. This can be through submissions or participating in consultations.

The following lists both consultations and invitations to make submissions which are relevant to health and medical research and/or health and innovation policy in Australia. Research Australia updates this regularly but we may not participate in every one listed.

If you would like more information or you are aware of other consultations that should be included, please contact Greg Mullins, Head of Policy, Research Australia via email greg.mullins@researchaustralia.org or phone (03) 9662 9420.

Please click the heading in the left hand column to access consultation information from the relevant website.

Consultation

 Details

Patents System review

 

 

Due 31 October

 The Australian Government wants to ensure that the standard patent system is as accessible as possible to Australia’s SMEs to protect their inventions in Australia and overseas.

The review is part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring our intellectual property (IP) framework supports the needs of smaller businesses. The review will:

    • investigate costs, processing times, advice and SME awareness levels
    • recommend options to improve access and support

A Discussion paper is available to guide the consultation.

Data Availability and Transparency Act

 

 

Due 6 November

 The Australian Government is consulting on an exposure draft of the new Data Availability and Transparency Act. This Act will manage how the Government makes datasets available, including to researchers.

The Government is also consulting on a discussion paper which will inform how researchers will be accredited under the Act for access to sensitive information, including health records. Submissions are open between 14 September and 6 November 2020.

This legislation and the accreditation scheme for researchers are part of the Government’s’ response to the Productivity Commission review of Data Availability and Use, which recommended the Government make better use of datasets it holds and improve the availability of datasets to researchers. Health information and data was an area where the Productivity Commission identified some of the greatest economic and societal benefits from greater use of available data.

Options for the introduction of an Australian Unique Device Identification (UDI) System

Due 18 November

 

 This is the second consultation paper relating to the proposed Australian implementation of a Unique Device Identification (UDI) System for medical devices. It builds on the first consultation paper, Proposal to introduce a Unique Device Identification (UDI) system for medical devices in Australia.

The TGA is inviting people to review the consultation paper and provide a response using an online survey, by email or written document.

Enhancing adverse event reporting for medical devices

 

Due 18 November

 The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is consulting on proposed enhancements to adverse event reporting and improving communication with the consumers of medical devices.

A consultation paper is provided to support response using an online survey, with two versions – one for industry and one for consumers. The questions that are posed in the survey relate to the same proposal but are viewed through a different lens.

Responses can also be provided by email.

Mapping Australia’s Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems Capability

 

Due 29 November

 The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources is undertaking a survey to Inform a map of Australia’s Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems Capability.

The Map will

    • highlight areas of strength and expertise to drive greater collaboration domestically
    • inform the promotion of Australia as a key location for research, development and commercialisation

The Map will consider:

    • public and private projects
    • centres of expertise
    • investments
    • case studies that draw on world leading, unique and/or innovative capabilities in AI and autonomous systems
    • skills, infrastructure and talent that underpins these case studies.

National Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap

Due 30 November

 Cancer Australia is developing a National Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap to support improved outcomes experienced by people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The Roadmap will identify priority areas for action over the next five years to improve outcomes for people with pancreatic cancer.

It will consider all aspects of the cancer pathway, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, supportive and palliative care. Priorities will include opportunities to improve care as well as areas requiring a research focus.

The Roadmap includes a review of research activity to identify gaps and opportunities in pancreatic cancer research, including clinical trials

Select Committee on COVID-19

 

 

 On 8 April 2020, the Senate resolved to establish a Select Committee on COVID-19 to inquire into the Australian Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The terms of reference are very broad:

    1. the Australian Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
    2. any related matters.

Research Australia has made a submission to the Inquiry, which is available here.

The Committee is to present its final report on or before 30 June 2022.