Former health official appointed to lead new strategy as Research Australia and STA warn of key gaps

Former deputy secretary of the Department of Health, Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM, has been appointed to spearhead the development of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler MP emphasised the significance of this effort, stating, “Australia has a proud history of punching above our weight when it comes to new discoveries and better treatments in healthcare. The strategy will ensure we remain at the forefront of global health and medical innovation.

“Under Rosemary’s leadership the strategy will help foster a strong and sustainable research workforce, create an environment that attracts investment, and translate research into practical health outcomes.”

The strategy comes in response to sustained advocacy from Research Australia, which has called for coordinated, sustainable investment in research, stronger ties between research and healthcare, and support for emerging health industries.

The organisation also stressed that “the strategy must include innovation and industry. Just as the Strategic Examination of R&D, currently underway, must include health and medical research. To be truly national, the Strategy must have input from all States and Territory Governments, all portfolios and jurisdictions.”

Science & Technology Australia (STA) has consistently called for government action on strategic frameworks and increased funding for Australian R&D, which sits at despairingly low levels.

Ryan Winn, STA CEO, said “Given the interconnectedness and complexity of Australia’s research funding landscape, it will be vital that this strategy is developed in close conjunction with the Strategic Examination of R&D.

“It will be vital that the development of the Strategy must involve all parts of the research pipeline, including state and territory governments, philanthropy and industry – not just health and medical researchers.”

Health and medical research is one of the five key pillars in the government’s National Science and Research Priorities released in August this year by the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic MP.

Huxtable, who brings extensive experience in government policy, financial management, and strategic leadership, is expected to lead a comprehensive consultation process across the health and medical research sector.

She will commence in the role later this year, with a webinar to be held with the health and medical research sector on 5th December 2024. Huxtable will provide a draft strategy to government by 30 June 2025 and a final strategy by the end of 2025.

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