Through its 10-year Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) plan, the Australian government is helping Australians live longer and better lives by ensuring that our health system can embrace and benefit from one of the most promising emerging medical disciplines such as genomics.

To further this agenda, the government is investing $28.1 million to establish a new agency, Genomics Australia, to support the integration of genomic medicine as a standard of healthcare in Australia. Genomic health technologies have the potential to reshape clinical practice and change the way we prevent, diagnose, treat and monitor illness throughout each person’s life. Genomics Australia will be chaired by Professor Kathryn North AC.

Genomics Australia, once established, will also advise the government on operation of the $500 million 10-year genomics mission. State and territory governments will also be invited to partner with the government on this initiative to ensure its start from a nationally cohesive foundation.

A Taskforce in the Department of Health, with expert guidance from Professor Kathryn North, will design and establish Genomics Australia.