The Expert Advisory Group and its Terms of Reference for the new Genomics Australia have been announced as the establishment of the new entity gets under way.
The 17-member group, which held its second meeting last week, will advise governments on the design, role, key priorities, and critical partnerships of the new national body.
Australian Genomics Lead Professor Kathryn North co-chairs the advisory group with Department of Health and Aged Care Deputy Secretary Penny Shakespeare.
In March 2022 the Federal Government announced funding for a new body to succeed Australian Genomics and continue to drive the translation of genomic science into improved clinical care.
Members of the advisory group, who were appointed on the basis of their “expertise or interest in genomic health technologies”, include researchers, clinicians, industry, and consumer representatives.
They will provide advice to the Federal Government through the Department of Health and Aged Care, and the state and territory governments through the recently established Health Technology and Genomics Collaboration (HTGC).
The Government will consult separately and receive advice from state and territory governments and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Advisory Group on Health Genomics.
The Terms of Reference state that Genomics Australia is “anticipated” to:
- Provide leadership on the coordination of a national approach to integrate genomic health technologies into the health system to improve the lives of Australians.
- Inform the implementation of effective and appropriate measures to improve patient access to clinically supported genomic health technologies in an efficient, ethical, equitable and nationally cohesive way.
- Facilitate the conduct and translation of successful research and trials in the field of genomic medicine into widespread clinical practice.
The full Terms of Reference and membership of the Expert Advisory Group can be found here.