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

MRFF Mission Consultations

 

Due 23 April

 The Department of Health is undertaking consultations on the Roadmap and Implementation Plan for each of the following MRFF Missions:

·       Cardiovascular Health

·       Traumatic Brain Injury

·       Genomics

·       Stem Cell Therapies

·       Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care

·       Indigenous Health

Each Mission’s Roadmap is a high level strategic document that includes the aim, vision, goal and priorities for investment for the Mission. To support the Roadmap, the Implementation Plan outlines the priorities for investment (short, medium and long term), evaluation approaches and measures, supporting activities, and collaborative opportunities.

Draft NSW Cancer Plan

 

 

Due 26 April

 The Cancer Institute NSW has released the draft NSW Cancer Plan for public consultation.

One of the Plan’s four priorities is cancer research, with five proposed actions:

    1. Investing in cancer research infrastructure including through collaboration interstate and beyond.
    2. Enhancing access to and participation in cancer clinical trials, including for focus populations.
    3. Providing easy to understand information to people experiencing cancer, their families and carers that supports their involvement in cancer research.
    4. Empowering primary care providers to support participation in clinical trials by those at risk of or affected by cancer.
    5. Further enhancing access and availability of high-quality linked data to support and enhance cancer control through research across NSW.

WA Health and Wellbeing Surveillance System Review

 

Due 30 April

 The WA Health and Wellbeing Surveillance System (HWSS) was established by the Department of Health in 2002 to monitor the health status of the general WA population. The HWSS collects data on both adults and children.

An internal review of the HWSS is currently underway to ensure that the content of the HWSS remains relevant to current and emerging public health issues. The review provides an opportunity to influence the data collected in future.

Moon to Mars: Trailblazer program

 

Due 2 May

 The Moon to Mars initiative is a $150 million investment over five years to drive the growth of Australia’s space sector.

The program will also leverage Australia’s competitive strengths in space and showcase Australian capabilities to the world.

The Australian Space Agency is currently undertaking public consultation on:

    • the proposed objectives and outcomes of the program;
    • Australia’s exploration vision and potential missions; and
    • the proposed implementation of the program.

NHMRC’s Open Access Policy

 

 

Due 5 May 2021

 The NHMRC is seeking feedback about proposed updates to its Open Access Policy and Open Access Policy – Further Guidance, to:

    • remove the existing embargo period for open access availability of publications and publication metadata; and
    • adopt a rights retention strategy, which gives researchers the freedom to publish in their journal of choice, including subscription journals.

The proposed updates will align the Policy and Guidance with the growing national and international shift towards open access publishing.

Ongoing medicine Supply

 

 

 

Due 17 May

 The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is conducting a public consultation seeking feedback on reforms intended to help ensure ongoing, reliable supply of important medicines in Australia. It is specifically seeking feedback on four proposals as possible medicine shortage mitigation or management strategies that would:

    • prioritise the evaluation and registration process for certain important generic prescription medicines, to reduce the risk of shortages;
    • encourage registration of more generic versions of medicines known to be affected by shortages, to mitigate the impact of those shortages; and
    • support a more reliable supply of overseas-registered medicines imported into Australia as substitutes when the Australian medicine is in longstanding or repeated shortage.

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.