Joint Statement: Pathology Technology Australia and InGeNA Welcome the Launch of Genomics Australia

Pathology Technology Australia and the Industry Genomics Network Alliance (InGeNA) warmly welcome the formal establishment of Genomics Australia as a national body under the Department of Health and Aged Care from 1 July.

The creation of Genomics Australia marks a significant step forward in embedding genomics into healthcare for the benefit of all Australians. Pathology Technology Australia and InGeNA have been active contributors to the multi-stakeholder advisory process that helped shape the remit of this new agency. Together, we look forward to its leadership in:

• Addressing barriers in regulatory and policy frameworks that limit equitable and timely access to genomic technologies and digital enablers.
• Supporting integration across state, private and national initiatives to create a unified genomics ecosystem.
• Enabling a practical and sustainable approach to screening, diagnostics, monitoring and data systems that evolve with technological innovation.

We commend the calibre of the Genomics Australia leadership team, which brings together deep expertise across genomics, research, health policy, clinical delivery and industry. Their collective experience will be critical in guiding implementation with insight, balance and agility.

We congratulate Australian Genomics Health Commissioner Tiffany Boughtwood on her appointment. Tiffany brings continuity, credibility, and trusted relationships across the sector from her prior leadership of Australian Genomics. Her appointment signals a strong and consultative approach to engaging stakeholders from day one.

We welcome the placement of Genomics Australia within the Digital Health and Medicare Benefits Division, under the leadership of Daniel McCabe, as a clear signal that the agency will be focused on practical implementation and addressing key issues related to system integration and scale.

The release of the National Health Genomics Policy Framework alongside this announcement provides much-needed clarity on national direction and implementation priorities.

“The launch of Genomics Australia is a major milestone on the path to mainstreaming genomics in routine clinical care,” said Erin Evans, CEO of InGeNA. “Industry is delighted to partner with government and other key stakeholders to ensure that genomics delivers tangible outcomes for patients and the healthcare system. This national coordination is essential to unlock innovation, streamline access, and scale the impact of precision medicine in Australia.”

Dean Whiting, CEO of Pathology Technology Australia, added:

“A fundamental barrier to the integration of genomics in healthcare is the lack of alignment and transparency between government goals and the industry and service providers who deliver the products, services, technology and infrastructure—the foundational tools—to achieve these goals. For translation and implementation, at scale, timely, and equitably it is imperative that we, as a collective, effectively address this challenge.”

As Genomics Australia begins its work, we reaffirm the importance of strong, structured engagement with industry as a critical enabler of innovation, implementation, and scale. InGeNA and Pathology Technology Australia look forward to working in close partnership with government, clinical leaders, researchers, and consumer groups to ensure that the genomics ecosystem is connected, sustainable, and delivers real-world impact. Together, we can accelerate the integration of genomics into routine care and build a future-focused health system that benefits all Australians.

About Pathology Technology Australia

Pathology Technology Australia (PTA) is the peak industry body representing the manufacturers, distributors, and importers of the technology responsible for more than 95% of pathology testing in Australian laboratories, hospitals and the community. More specifically, PTA represents almost all of the manufacturers and suppliers of genomic testing technology. As such our membership have a clear view of the technological advancements being developed and their strong impact on patient quality of life. In addition, our members partner with clinical and research institutes to develop the genomic applications that enhance diagnosis and targeted treatment.

About InGeNA

The Industry Genomics Network Alliance (InGeNA) is Australia’s peak body for genomics and personalised healthcare, bringing together industry leaders across diagnostics, therapeutics, software, data, and analytics. Our members range from large multinationals to innovative startups, all working to accelerate the adoption of genomics and ensure it is embedded in Australia’s health system.

InGeNA collaborates closely with stakeholders, including our own consumer advisory group, to ensure that personalised healthcare benefits all Australians. We advocate for genomics to is embedded in our health system in a sustainable way and can achieve clinical and efficiency benefits that improve prevention, and enhance quality of life.