The Albanese Government has launched Genomics Australia, a new national body to harness cutting-edge genomic research and technologies to prevent, diagnose and treat Australians with cancer and other diseases.
Genomic medicine uses a person's own DNA to better identify disease risks, prevent illnesses, make earlier diagnoses and to personalise treatment.
Australia is at the forefront of genomic technology and research. Genomics Australia will work to effectively implement research into clinical health care right across the country.
The Albanese Government has committed ongoing funding to Genomics Australia including over $30 million to support its first four years of operation.
One of the first goals of the newly formed body is to improve access to personalised cancer care.
Genomics Australia will also work with states and territories to implement an updated National Health Genomics Policy Framework.
Tiffany Boughtwood will guide the work of Genomics Australia as Australia's first Health Genomics Commissioner. Ms Boughtwood is a recognised expert in health genomics and brings decades of experience including as the Managing Director of Australian Genomics.
The Albanese Government is also accelerating genomics research with $50 million in grants for 30 projects supported by the Genomics Health Futures Mission under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
The supported projects aim to create better health outcomes tailored to the individual for a wide range of health issues including children with type 1 diabetes, Australians at higher risk of common cancers, First Nations Australians affected by medication side-effects and more.
Through the MRFF the government has invested more than half a billion dollars into genomics research granted to 190 separate projects.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"Genomics Australia marks a coming together of years of work from researchers, practitioners and government with a common goal, to use this cutting-edge technology to improve health outcomes in Australia.
"The research we are producing is groundbreaking. With a coordinated approach and strong leadership, Genomics Australia will drive world-class health outcomes across the country.
"Tiffany Boughtwood's leadership will deliver an ambitious agenda for Genomics Australia.
"This will put Australia at the forefront of genomic technology and research and delivering new hope for Australian patients with devastating diseases."
