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

Visas- Business Innovation and Investment

 

Due 14 February

 The Government is undertaking a review of the Business Innovation and Investment Visa Program, which attracts migrants who have a history of success in innovation, investment and business, including in local start-ups and emerging companies.

The consultation process focuses on several key points, including:

·      the opportunity to streamline the program,

·      the investment thresholds and different investment types

·      encouraging more investment and business innovation activity in regional Australia.

MRFF Dementia Aged Care and Ageing Mission Roadmap

 

Due 17 February

 In December 2018 the Government announced the $185 million Dementia, Aged Care and Ageing Mission (Mission), a medical research package focused on dementia, ageing and aged care funded through the Medical Research Future Fund.

The Mission aims to fund research to support older Australians to maintain their health and quality of life as they age, live independently for longer and access quality care when they need.

The Department is now consulting in the draft Mission Roadmap, intended to assist the implementation of the Mission including setting key priorities for funding. A series of consultation questions are proposed to guide feedback on the Roadmap.

R&D Tax Incentive Amendments Senate Inquiry

 

Due 6 March

 On 6 February 2020, the Senate referred the Treasury Laws Amendment (Research and Development Tax Incentive) Bill 2019 to the Economics Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 30 April 2020.

The Bill would amend the existing R&DTI scheme to, among other things, introduce a cap on the refundable R&DTI that can be claimed by a company (clinical trials are exempted) and an ‘intensity threshold’ that must be satisfied by larger companies.

Research Australia will be making a submission and invites input and feedback from members.

Moon to Mars Initiative- Consultation paper

 

Due 6 March

 

 The Australian Space Agency is consulting on the design of the $150 million Moon to Mars Program. The aim is to accelerate the growth of Australia’s space sector, providing the opportunity for Australian businesses and researchers to join NASA’s plan to return to the Moon and then go on to Mars.

Among the areas included in the consultation paper is Space medicine and human life sciences. ‘Australia has significant expertise to contribute medical technologies, expertise and materials for human exploration missions. With the potential increase of commercial human space flights, this field will become more important in the future.’

The Agency is seeking feedback on the objectives, program design and potential areas of investment that will develop Australia’s space industry and inspire the public.

Public consultations are being held throughout Australia in February and March.