A new parliamentary report ‘The New Frontier: Delivering better health for all Australians’ is recommending significant reforms to the health care system to ensure Australians have better and faster access to the wave of new medicines and technologies.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 25 November 2021

A new parliamentary report ‘The New Frontier: Delivering better health for all Australians’ is recommending significant reforms to the health care system to ensure Australians have better and faster access to the wave of new medicines and technologies. The Chair of the Committee, Mr Trent Zimmerman MP said, ‘We are witnessing what will be a revolution in the treatment of many conditions, as our understanding of genomics and the development of precision medicine develops. In so many other areas we are also seeing progress in drugs and technology, which has been reflected in the development of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.’ ‘These innovations reflect the new frontier of medicine, which is giving hope to many for better treatments and technologies for conditions ranging from cancers to rare diseases. At its forefront, is the development of personalised or precision medicine, which is being delivered as our understanding of fields – like genomics – grows.’ Australia has one of the world’s best systems for assessing new treatments and ensuring they are delivered in an affordable way to patients. However, the system can be improved and we need to ensure it is ready to meet the challenges of many new innovations that will not neatly fit current health technology assessment processes. ‘Throughout its 15-month inquiry, the Committee received over 200 submissions and held 13 days of public hearings in several capital cities. The Committee was moved by the testimony of patients and their families and inspired by the work of our researchers and medical scientists. The Committee was impressed by the professionalism of those working in the medicines and technology sectors and appreciative of the obvious dedication, co-operation and knowledge of those within the health department who assisted our deliberations in public and private hearings and through their submissions.’ ‘I believe that all the Committee’s recommendations will make a real difference to the lives of Australian patients as well as industry and the R&D sector, including the clinical trials sector,’ Mr Zimmerman added. Deputy Chair of the Committee, Dr Mike Freelander MP, made the following comments in relation to the Inquiry: We are at an inflection point in healthcare in Australia at the present time, because of the rapidly increasing treatments becoming available for conditions previously considered untreatable. This is particularly so in my own field of paediatrics. How Australians get access to these treatments in an equitable manner has been the main focus of our Inquiry. I have learnt a lot during the course of the Inquiry, and have been humbled by the experience. I am particularly grateful to the Chair, Trent Zimmerman, and to the incredibly hardworking Secretariat, without whose efforts the Inquiry would not have been possible. I am very grateful for the manner in which our Inquiry has been approached by staff at the Health Department, particularly Prof John Skerritt and his staff at the TGA, the PBAC and MSAC, who at all times gave their support and never refused to give us time for meetings. I reiterate my support and thanks for all those who presented to us. I’ve enjoyed the Inquiry and the bigger picture is to now get whoever is in government to act on our recommendations. The bipartisan report makes 31 recommendations to reform Australia’s system for the regulation and reimbursement with the hope that patients will receive faster access to the latest medicines and technologies. The Chair will table this report in the House of Representatives between 10am – 11am on Thursday 25 November 2021. Mr Trent Zimmerman MP and the Deputy Chair Dr Mike Freelander MP will be available for interviews after tabling on Thursday morning. The full text of the report will be available on the Committee’s website after tabling. Media inquiries Ben Ingram: 0401 554 097 – Mr Trent Zimmerman’s office Brydan Toner: 0407 243 981 - Dr Mike Freelander’s office For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4145 health.reps@aph.gov.au

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has postponed a public hearing that was to be held today between 5.00pm and 6.00pm AEST in Committee Room 1R3.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 17 June 2021

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has postponed a public hearing that was to be held today between 5.00pm and 6.00pm AEST in Committee Room 1R3. The Chair of the Committee, Mr Trent Zimmerman MP said ‘the public hearing that was to hear from England’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will be rescheduled and announced on the Committee’s website in due course.’ Further information about the Committee’s inquiry including the full terms of reference are available at the Committee’s website. Interested members of the public may wish to track the inquiry via the website. Click on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button under the inquiry name and use the forms to login to My Parliament or to register for a My Parliament account. Media inquiries Ben Ingram: 0401 554 097 – Mr Trent Zimmerman’s office For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4145 Health.reps@aph.gov.au

On Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 May 2021 the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will hold two days of public hearings in Brisbane as part of the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia.

Media release issue date: Friday, 14 May 2021

On Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 May 2021 the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will hold two days of public hearings in Brisbane as part of the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia. The Committee will hear evidence from numerous stakeholders including patient advocacy groups, industry, researchers and clinicians. The program for the hearings is available on the Committee’s website. The Chair of the Committee, Mr Trent Zimmerman MP, commented that ‘the inquiry has received significant interest from the community, and these hearings will enable the Committee to hear from Queensland stakeholders about how to further strengthen Australia’s development and approval processes for new medicines and novel medical technologies.’ ‘A particular focus of these hearings will be patient involvement in the development and approval processes for new therapies’ Mr Zimmerman added. ‘The Committee will also continue to explore the important issues that have emerged during the inquiry, including how to better attract clinical trials to Australia, how the approvals process for new drugs and technologies can be made more efficient, and how Australia can encourage the development and approval of treatments for rare diseases.’ Further information about the Committee’s inquiry including the full terms of reference are available at the Committee’s website. Interested parties can listen to the audio live streaming click here. Interested members of the public may wish to track the inquiry via the website. Click on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button under the inquiry name and use the forms to login to My Parliament or to register for a My Parliament account. Media inquiries Ben Ingram: 0401 554 097 – Mr Trent Zimmerman’s office For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4145 Health.reps@aph.gov.au

A third day of public hearings in Sydney will be held today as part of the Health, Aged Care and Sport Committee’s ongoing inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia.

Media release issue date: Friday, 7 May 2021

A third day of public hearings in Sydney will be held today as part of the Health, Aged Care and Sport Committee’s ongoing inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia. Stakeholders including patient advocacy groups, pharmaceutical companies, peak bodies, and health and clinical trial centres will give evidence. The program for the hearings is available at the Committee’s website. The Chair of the Committee, Mr Trent Zimmerman MP, said that ‘the inquiry has received a lot of interest with more than 185 submissions to date. At the public hearing, the Committee will continue to hear from stakeholders to find out how Australia’s approval systems and funding for new medicines and novel medical technologies will provide the best possible outcomes for all Australians now and into the future.’ ‘The Committee is interested in hearing about new innovative drugs and novel therapies that are being developed in Australia and overseas. The repurposing of drugs to treat new conditions will also be discussed. Two other important aspects to be reviewed include making the approvals process for new drugs and novel medical technologies more efficient, and consideration as to how Australia could be a more attractive location for clinical trials,’ Mr Zimmerman said. Further information about the Committee’s inquiry including the full terms of reference are also available at the Committee’s website. Seating at the public hearing will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. The latest NSW Government COVID-19 restrictions (as at 6 May) will be in place. Interested parties are encouraged to listen to the audio live streaming.  Media enquiries: Ben Ingram: 0401 554 097 – Mr Trent Zimmerman’s office For background information: Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4145 Health.reps@aph.gov.au Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. Click on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button under the inquiry name and use the forms to login to My Parliament or to register for a My Parliament account.

On Thursday 22 and Friday 23 April 2021 the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will hold two days of public hearings in Melbourne as part of the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 21 April 2021

On Thursday 22 and Friday 23 April 2021, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will hold two days of public hearings in Melbourne as part of the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia. The Committee will hear evidence from numerous stakeholders including patient advocacy groups, various pharmaceutical companies, research bodies and clinical trial centres. The program for the hearings is available at the Committee’s website. The Chair of the Committee, Mr Trent Zimmerman MP, said that ‘the inquiry has received a lot of interest with 185 submissions to date. At the public hearing, the Committee will continue to hear from stakeholders to find out how Australia’s approval systems and funding for new medicines and novel medical technologies will provide the best possible outcomes for all Australians now and into the future.’ ‘In particular, the Committee is interested in hearing about new innovative drugs and novel therapies that are being developed in Australia and overseas. The repurposing of drugs to treat new conditions will also be discussed. Two other important aspects to be reviewed include making the approvals process for new drugs and novel medical technologies more efficient, and consideration as to how Australia could be a more attractive location for clinical trials,’ Mr Zimmerman said. Further information about the Committee’s inquiry including the full terms of reference are also available at the Committee’s website. Seating at the public hearing will be limited due to Covid restrictions. Interested parties are encouraged to listen to the audio live streaming. Media inquiries Melina Rohan – Trent Zimmerman’s office – 02 9929 9822 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4145 Health.reps@aph.gov.au Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. Click on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button under the inquiry name and use the forms to login to My Parliament or to register for a My Parliament account.

On Thursday 11 and Friday 12 March 2021 the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will hold two days of public hearings in Sydney as part of the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 10 March 2021

On Thursday 11 and Friday 12 March 2021 the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will hold two days of public hearings in Sydney as part of the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia. The Committee will hear evidence from numerous stakeholders including patient advocacy groups, clinician and research bodies, and industry. Witnesses will include rare disease advocates from Rare Voices Australia, and representatives from the Medical Technology Association of Australia.  The program for the hearings is available at the Committee’s website. The Chair of the Committee, Mr Trent Zimmerman MP, said that ‘the inquiry has received a lot of interest with 185 submissions to date. At the public hearing, the Committee will hear from stakeholders to find out how Australia’s approval systems and funding for new medicines and novel medical technologies will provide the best possible outcomes for all Australians now and into the future.’ The hearings will give the Committee a better sense of the perspectives of those who are at the new medicines and medical technology coalface, from research and development all the way through to patients receiving new drugs and medical devices,’ Mr Zimmerman added. Further information about the Committee’s inquiry including the full terms of reference are also available at the Committee’s website. Seating at the public hearing will be limited due to Covid restrictions so interested parties are encouraged to listen to the audio live streaming. Media inquiries Hugo Robinson – Trent Zimmerman’s office – 0405 014 849 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4145 Health.reps@aph.gov.au

On Friday 5 February, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will hold a public hearing on the development, approval and distribution processes for COVID-19 vaccines. The hearing forms part of the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 3 February 2021

On Friday 5 February, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will hold a public hearing on the development, approval and distribution processes for COVID-19 vaccines. The hearing forms part of the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia. The Committee will hear evidence from the Department of Health’s Secretary, Professor Brendan Murphy, and Deputy Secretary, Adjunct Professor John Skerritt. It will also hear from Associate Professor Christopher Blyth and Professor Allen Cheng, Co-Chairs of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. The Chair of the Committee, Mr Trent Zimmerman MP, commented that ‘the race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine has brought unprecedented attention, not just to Australian processes but also to other countries’ processes, as to how new drugs and medical technologies are developed, approved and distributed.  The development of COVID-19 vaccines represents one of the great triumphs of scientific endeavour.’ Mr Zimmerman said that, ‘the success of the vaccination program in Australia is vital to the health and well-being of all Australians so this will be an important opportunity for the Committee to receive advice from Australia’s top health officials on the government’s plans and the status of vaccine assessments.  The Committee hopes both to increase public awareness of how COVID-19 vaccines are being developed, approved and distributed, and to draw on useful lessons learned for the future development and approval of new drugs and medical technologies’, Mr Zimmerman said.    Further information about the Committee’s inquiry including the full terms of reference are available at the Committee’s website. To listen to the audio live streaming click here. Public Hearing Program - Friday 5 February Time Witnesses 12.30pm - 2.00pm Prof. Brendan Murphy and Adj Prof. Skerritt, Department of Health 2.00pm - 3.30pm Ass Prof. Blythe and Prof. Allen Cheng,Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation Media inquiries Hugo Robinson – Trent Zimmerman’s office – 0405 014 849 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4145 Health.reps@aph.gov.au

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has commenced an inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 18 August 2020

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has commenced an inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia. The Chair of the Committee, Mr Trent Zimmerman MP, said that the Committee looks forward to receiving information on how Australia can continue to be well positioned to access new drugs and novel medical technologies, with a particular focus on access to the treatment of rare diseases and conditions where there is high and unmet clinical need. Mr Zimmerman commented that ‘the Committee will examine processes in place for establishing and conducting clinical trials in improving the lives of patients and increasing investment in Australia’s research and development sector. The Committee will also look at options to incentivise earlier application for approval by sponsors of new drugs and novel medical technologies, without compromising patient safety or the assessment of cost-effectiveness. We’re looking forward to hearing from the public, health professionals and organisations, pharmaceutical companies and other interested parties on how Australia could position itself best on providing access to new drugs and novel medical technologies for all Australians now and into the future.’ Submissions from interested individuals and organisations are invited by Tuesday 13 October. If stakeholders have been impacted by Covid19 and require an extension for submissions, please contact the secretariat on health.reps@aph.gov.au. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account. Further information about the Committee’s inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on how to lodge a submission are available at the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Hugo Robinson – Trent Zimmerman’s office – 0405 014 849 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4145 Health.reps@aph.gov.au