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

Allergies and anaphylaxis Parliamentary Inquiry

 

Due 24 October

 

 The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has commenced an inquiry into allergies and anaphylaxis in Australia.

In addition to existing treatment, the inquiry is also investigating developments into the research and prevention of allergies and anaphylaxis, unscientific diagnosis and treatments being used by some consumers, and the impact of unnecessary drug avoidance due to unconfirmed drug allergies.  Sub missions can be made now.

Growing South Australia’s HMR Industry

 

Due 25 October

 

 As part of the Growth State: our plan for prosperity, the South Australian Government has identified the Health and Medical Industries sector as having strong growth prospects to assist in leveraging the state’s competitive advantages and responding to industry needs.

A Health and Medical Industries Discussion Paper outlines the sector’s contribution to the South Australian economy and the initiatives that can assist in growing sub-sectors. It also seeks industry insight into six priority areas where emerging opportunities and initiatives have been identified:

  • Clinical trials
  • Education and training
  • Smart specialisation
  • Data accessibility
  • Living well
  • Enhanced collaboration

Stem Cell Mission Draft Roadmap

 

Due 31 October 2019

 The Stem Cell Therapies Mission will provide $150 million from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) over 10 years to support stem cell research to deliver innovative, safe and effective treatments.

The Stem Cell Therapies Expert Advisory Panel has been selected to guide the Mission, and has drafted a Roadmap, which is now open for consultation. The Draft Roadmap identifies six spending priorities:

  • Targeted research funding
  • Capacity building and workforce
  • Clinical translation
  • Commercialisation
  • Ethics, engagement and policy
  • Infrastructure

Self-testing in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs) in Australia

Due 22 November

 The TGA is seeking comments from interested parties as to whether the Therapeutic Goods (Excluded Purposes) Specification 2010 continues to serve a useful and necessary purpose in prohibiting supply of direct to consumer:

(a) Tests for the presence of, or exposure to, pathogenic organisms or transmissible agents (other than the Human Immunodeficiency Virus), including agents that cause notifiable infectious diseases;

(b) Genetic tests to determine the presence of, or susceptibility to, diseases in humans;

(c) Tests to diagnose, aid in diagnosis or indicate the presence of a serious disease or condition, such as cancer or myocardial infarction;

(d) Tests for the presence of markers that are precursors to a serious disease or condition, such as Pap smear tests (marker for cervical cancer) or prostate specific antigen tests (marker for prostate cancer).

The feedback received in response to the consultation will inform a recommendation to the Minister on whether to remake the Excluded Purposes Specification after it automatically expires (sunsets) in October 2020.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder Senate Inquiry

 

Due 29 November

 

 The Senate Community Affairs References Committee is undertaking an Inquiry into Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

The terms of reference include effective approaches to prevention and diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), strategies for optimising life outcomes for people with FASD and supporting carers, and the prevalence and management of FASD, including in vulnerable populations, in the education system, and in the criminal justice system.  Submissions can be made now.

Implementing the Third Review of the Gene Technology Scheme: Phase 1

 

Due 29 November

 An Issues Paper to inform three key priority areas arising from the Third Review of the National Gene Technology Scheme (the Review), has been developed.

Of particular interest is the Review’s recommendation 6, that:

a) the definition of a genetically modified organism under the Gene Technology Act 2000 (Cth) be amended to clarify that humans are not considered to be GMOs; and that

b) subject to consideration, the COAG (Council of Australian Governments) Health Council might also consider whether additional regulatory oversight is needed for humans who may receive or inherit germline therapies (or other somatic therapies not within the remit of the Scheme). The COAG Health Council should also consider which regulatory (or other) body would be most appropriate to undertake such oversight.

The issues paper is available from the website (a link is embedded in the heading on the left).

Pre- Budget Submissions

Due 20 December

 

 The Assistant Treasurer, the Hon. Michael Sukkar MP, is seeking submissions from individuals, businesses and community groups on their views for priorities for the 2020-21 Budget.

If you would like to contribute to Research Australia’s Pre-Budget submission, please contact Greg Mullins, Head of Policy. greg.mullins@researchaustralia.org