The Australian Government has appointed Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AC, FAA FTSE to lead key reforms as Chair of the Inter-Governmental Policy Reform Group (IGPRG) for health and medical research, including clinical trials.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon Mark Butler MP commenting on the selection and appointment said, “Professor Chubb has dedicated his career to improving health and medical research and education in this county and I am pleased he has agreed to share his knowledge and experience through the IGPRG.”
All Australian health ministers agreed to establish the enduring IGPRG, which will provide policy and operational oversight of the National One Stop Shop for health and medical research.
Professor Chubb spoke with Australian Health Journal about his career as Chief Scientist for Australia, personal patient experience with a clinical trial and also the consultation done to date on clinical trial and medical research reform.
The National One Stop Shop Program will transform health and medical research in Australia, by making it easier for patients, researchers and sponsors to find, conduct and participate in clinical trials and research.
It will deliver innovative treatments and improved health outcomes, increase productivity and sustainability in the health system, create jobs and help grow Australia’s innovation economy.
Minister Butler attending the MedTech23 conference hosted by The Medical Technology Association of Australia in Sydney yesterday said,
“A One Stop Shop for cutting-edge clinical trials will ensure that Australian patients and researchers are among the first to benefit from new life-changing and life-saving medicines.
I have asked my department to work with states and territories on the next phase of analysis and platform specification as a priority.“
The IGPRG will also have a key role in implementing and regulating the National Clinical Trials Governance Framework which will ensure a nationally consistent approach to clinical trials.
He has been integral to the development of the One Stop Shop to date, having already led the national consultations on the design of the program.
Representing the medical technology industry MTAA CEO Ian Burgess supported the establishment of the IGPRG and the appointment of Chair Professor Chubb. He added, “There is an opportunity to maximise the potential of clinical trials in Australia by increasing the MedTech clinical trials beyond the 394 currently underway, through the One Stop Shop Program and work of the IGPRG.”
-
Navigating the health system for mental health support
Senior professionals and middle managers are experiencing increased burnout and stress, leading to higher alcohol consumption, and there is a need for better support and resources for mental health and addiction treatment in Australia, according to Ruth Limkin, Founder of The Banyans and Chief Development Officer at parent Sana Health Group.
-
App helps Chronic Sleep Deprivation
Earlier this year, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health researchers developed SleepSync, the world’s first app that personalises sleep-wake cycles for shift workers to improve their sleep and overall mood.
The research, led by Dr Jade Murray, was published in the journal, Digital Health. Australian Health Journal met with Dr Murray to hear how the application has evolved and been used in personalisation of sleep habits for health care shift workforce.
-
Investments to address health inequities in Prostate Cancer Care
Income, education, geographical location, and discrimination based on ethnicity, race, gender and sexual orientation, are only a fraction of factors that can negatively affect a person’s quality of cancer care. This is defined as the “equity gap” and it’s costing people their lives.
Timed to coincide with World Cancer Day 4th February 2025, Movember announced prostate cancer investment of $5.5 million. Eighteen grants (16 proposals and 2 community development grants) are slated to directly tackle inequities in prostate cancer care. The funding will be over three years with the grants spread across five countries – six in Canada, five in the United Kingdom, three in Australia, three in the United States and one in Ireland – each having a specific focus population and care area.
