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 list is consultations and invitations to make submissions which are relevant to health and medical research and/or health and innovation policy in Australia. Research Australia may not participate in every one however the list is updated regularly.

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

Inquiry into Funding Australia’s Research

Due 30 June 2018

 

 The House Standing Committee on Education, Employment and Training will inquire into and report on the efficiency, effectiveness and coherency of Australian Government funding for research, in the following terms:

  • The diversity, fragmentation and efficiency of research investment across the Australian Government, including the range of programs, guidelines and methods of assessment of grants;
  • The process and administrative role undertaken by research institutions, in particular universities, in developing and managing applications for research funding;
  • The effectiveness and efficiency of operating a dual funding system for university research, namely competitive grants and performance-based block grants to cover systemic costs of research; and
  • Opportunities to maximise the impact of funding by ensuring optimal simplicity and efficiency for researchers and research institutions while prioritising delivery of national priorities and public benefit.

This inquiry will be focused on federally funded research agencies, their funding mechanisms and university collaborative research. The inquiry will not consider the National Health and Medical Research Council, nor non-federal research funding.

 

Options for a claimer for efficacy assessed non-prescription medicines

Due 20 June 2018

 The TGA is seeking comments from interested parties on the use of a claimer for efficacy assessed non-prescription medicines to address the Government-agreed Recommendation 45 from the Review of Medicines and Medical Devices Regulation.

 

 

Mental Health of Emergency Workers

Due 20 June 2018

 On 28 March, the Education and Employment References Committee established an Inquiry into the role of Commonwealth, state and territory Governments in addressing the high rates of mental health conditions experienced by first responders, emergency service workers and volunteers, with particular reference to:

a.   the nature and underlying causes of mental health conditions experienced by first responders, emergency service workers and volunteers;

b.   research identifying linkages between first responder and emergency service occupations, and the incidence of mental health conditions;

c.    management of mental health conditions in first responder and emergency services organisations, factors that may impede adequate management of mental health within the workplace and opportunities for improvement; and

d.   any other related matters.

The closing date for submissions is 20 June 2018.

The Committee is due to report to the Senate by 5 December 2018.

Stillbirth Research and Education

 

Due 29 June 2018

 A Senate Select Committee on Stillbirth Research and Education was established on 27 March.

A Senate Select Committee on Stillbirth Research and Education was established on 27 March.

The committee’s first inquiry will look at the future of stillbirth research and education in Australia, with particular reference to:

a) consistency and timeliness of data available to researchers across states, territories and federal jurisdictions;

b) coordination between Australian and international researchers;

c) partnerships with the corporate sector, including use of innovative new technology;

d) sustainability and propriety of current research funding into stillbirth, and future funding options, including government, philanthropic and corporate support;

e) research and education priorities and coordination, including the role that innovation and the private sector can play in stillbirth research and education;

f) communication of stillbirth research for Australian families, including culturally and linguistically appropriate advice for Indigenous and multicultural families, before and during a pregnancy;

g) quantifying the impact of stillbirths on the Australian economy; and

h) any related matters.

The first report is due in early 2019.