National Test Directory
Would a National Genomics Test Directory advance patient care in Australia?
What is it?
A National Genomics Test Directory is a single, authoritative and dynamic list of genomic tests available in and funded by the health system. It sets out how tests are funded, for which conditions, and ensures consistency and equity across the country.
Why does it matter?
Today, Australians face delays and unequal access to genomic testing, especially for rare diseases and cancer. Decisions about funding are slow and often tied to medicines rather than the value of the test itself. This leaves patients waiting and the system struggling to keep up with rapid advances in genomics.
The NHS England model:
Since 2018, NHS England’s National Genomic Test Directory has offered patients fast access to over 800 tests. It is updated every year to add new advances and remove outdated tests. This approach has reduced duplication, cut wait times, and ensured patients benefit from the latest science.
Today, Australians face delays and unequal access to genomic testing, especially for rare diseases and cancer. Decisions about funding are slow and often tied to medicines rather than the value of the test itself. This leaves patients waiting and the system struggling to keep up with rapid advances in genomics.
What can Australia do?
Australia can adopt a similar model by:
- Funding an evaluation of the UK system.
- Establishing a multi-stakeholder working group (government, clinicians, patients, industry).
- Designing and funding a National Genomics Test Directory to deliver fair, timely, and consistent access nationwide.
How could this benefit patients?
- Faster, fairer access to testing for all Australians independent of their condition.
- Better prevention, diagnosis, and personalised care.
- A health system that keeps pace with global innovation and removes wasteful duplication; delivering significant cost savings and improved efficiencies to health technology assessment in Australia.
How does this benefit health professionals?
- Greater confidence in providing care.
- Access to affordable testing when appropriate to better support patients and families.
- More accurate and actionable path to diagnosis.
Why now? Why strategic?
Genomics is moving from research to mainstream healthcare but without a Directory, Australia risks falling further behind global leaders.
- A national Directory would align funding, regulation, and implementation so patients and clinicians have certainty and faster access.
- It would also strengthen health system efficiency by reducing duplication and enabling the right test, at the right time, for the right patient.
- Internationally, the UK, Canada, and Europe have already moved to coordinated models. Australia has an opportunity to leapfrog and catch up with global best practice.
We’ve been calling for this reform for years.
- InGeNA Policy Position (2025) identified a funded, nationally coordinated test directory as a key lever to deliver equity and efficiency.
- National Health Genomics Policy Framework – Consolidated Feedback (2024–25) reinforced the National Test Directory as a priority, learning from the UK model, and highlighted the need for sustainable funding and governance.
- Realising the Full Potential of Genomics – HTA Review White Paper (2023) showed how reimbursement and regulatory processes must evolve alongside a test directory to accelerate patient access.
- Precision Health Roundtable Report (2023) industry, government, clinicians, and consumers agreed on the need to fix access and funding pathways, with a national test directory as part of the solution.