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Joint Statement on the Commencement of Genomics Australia Pathology Technology Australia and the Industry Genomics Network Alliance (InGeNA) warmly welcome the formal establishment of Genomics Australia as a national body under the Department of Health and Aged Care from 1 July. We commend the calibre of the Genomics Australia leadership team, which brings together deep […]

The Missing Piece – Why are we not funding these tests to reduce pregnancy risk? “If I had access to a test that could predict my risk for pre-eclampsia I could have prevented a life-threatening situation for me and for my baby” – Sarah, pre-eclampsia survivor. Sarah spent a week in hospital with dangerously high

Significant delays in diagnostic funding means patients are missing out The path to Medicare funding for new diagnostic technology is a notoriously challenging one, and a recent publication has now quantified the significant delay in Australia’s health technology assessment pathways. The poster, presented at ISPOR—The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, a collaborative

The Missing Piece – ovarian cancer It took over 2 years for access to testing that identified suitable treatment for newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients, during which time 88 LIVES were lost and an estimated $319.1 MILLION in benefits were foregone. A universal provision offering fully funded genetic testing for all cancers would avoid delays and open up

2025-26 Labor Government Budget proposals as they relate to Health:  In a rare 4th budget announcement within a single term of government, the Labor Treasurer, Hon Jim Chalmers, appealed for stability and the chance for a second term for Labor to guide Australians through “uncertain times”. The budget has a strong focus on cost-of-living pressures

  The peak body representing private pathology in Australia, Australian Pathology, launched a widespread campaign that has been running since 2024 – “Keep Pathology Bulk Billed”. This multi-channel initiative can be seen on TV commercials, Mainstream news and media articles, social media, and billboards. Aimed at raising awareness of the long-term stagnation in Medicare rebates

Kathy, like over 40% of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients, was diagnosed when her cancer was already Stage 4 and terminal. The good news? Genomic testing of Kathy’s cancer identified a specific gene for which there is a targeted treatment. Kathy takes a daily pill that is currently keeping her alive. “If every single lung

Five stakeholders join voices calling for faster and more equitable access to genetic testing in breast cancer For Amber, as a mother with stage 4 breast cancer, her concern is for her family. Amber wants those she loves to be able to access genetic testing. Her hope is with this knowledge, perhaps they avoid the

We want cancer patients to focus on their own personal health journey, not worry about whether they have access to all the tools and information for the best possible outcome. New technologies for endometrial cancers that identify DNA mutations that inform targeted therapy are recognised internationally as the standard of care yet are not universally

The HTA Review found there is urgent need for system reform, with patients experiencing profound negative consequences caused by delays in access to new treatments. This review was initiated as part of the last Medicines Agreement and as such was largely limited to Health Technology Assessment and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS). While Pathology Technology