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

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 2020

 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.

National Clinical Trials Governance Framework

 

Due 1 December

 The pilot of the National Clinical Trials Framework commenced on 1 September.

The Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care has developed web-based tools to assist health services monitor their clinical trial service operations and self-assess their capacity to meet the actions within the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, as provided in the Governance Framework.

The Commission is seeking feedback on the Framework’s operation by 1 December. Feedback can be provided by a survey, available here, or  via email to CTgovernance@safetyandquality.gov.au

New animal welfare Act for Victoria

Due 14 December

 The Victorian Government is seeking feedback on proposals for a new animal welfare Act. Among proposals relevant to health and medical research is a proposal to review licences, permits and approval arrangements under the current legislation including those applying to scientific establishments).

Several documents about the review are available to support submissions.

National Security Risks and Higher Education

Due 18 December

 The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced an inquiry into national security risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector.

Terms of reference are available here.

Inclusion of Class I medical devices in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG)

 

Due 1 January 2021

 Class I medical devices which are non-sterile and non-measuring, are considered low risk devices. Until now, medical devices have been incorrectly included as Class I or applications have been found to be incomplete or inaccurate.

The TGA has undertaken amendments to the Class I medical devices inclusion process, to address these issues.

Feedback on the amendments is sought via an online survey.

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.