Human Genetics Advisory Committee (HGAC)
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Functions
The functions of HGAC, as gazetted by the Minister on 25 March 2009, are:
- to advise NHMRC on current and emerging issues in human genetics and related technologies, particularly the expected impacts on human health and healthcare;
- to advise NHMRC on the ethical, legal and social implications arising from developments in human genetics and related technolgies;
- such other functions as the Minister from time to time determines in writing after consulting the CEO; and
- any other functions conferred on the Committee by the NHMRC Act, the regulations or any other law.
While the HGAC provides advice to Council on high-level technical and strategic issues in human genetics, and on the social, ethical and legal implications of human genetics and related technologies it is important to note that under the NHMRC Act AHEC has carriage of the development of Human Research Guidelines.
Membership
The composition of HGAC is not defined under the NHMRC Act. HGAC has 12 members for the 2009-12 triennium. The membership includes persons with expertise in human genetics; community representation; privacy, discrimination and health law; data management and information security; science communication; and the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
A member of AHEC also sits on HGAC - this is a requirement under the NHMRC Act.
HGAC
| Member | Position |
|---|---|
| Professor Ron Trent | Chair |
| Associate Professor Kristine (Kris) Barlow Stewart | Person with expertise in genetic counselling |
| Associate Professor Ngiare Brown | Person with a background in, and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities |
| Mr Shane Burdack | Person who has expertise in business relevant to human genetics |
| Professor John Christodoulou | Person with experience in medical practice and health services |
| Associate Professor Jane Halliday | Person with experience in data management, health informatics or information security |
| Ms Natasha Mitchell | Person with experience in science communication |
| Professor Andrew Sinclair | Person with expertise relevant to the functions of the Committee – expertise in human molecular genetics |
| Ms Sharon Van der Laan | Person with a background in, and knowledge of community representation, including health consumer advocacy and disability support groups |
| Emeritus Professor David Weisbrot AM | Person who has expertise in law with experience in privacy, discrimination and health law matters |
| Professor Ingrid Winship | Person with expertise in health and medical research, with an emphasis on human genetics |
| Professor Margaret Otlowski | Member in Common with Australian Health Ethics Committee |
HGAC Meeting Outcomes
Contact HGAC
| Postal address | HGAC Secretariat NHMRC GPO Box 1421 Canberra ACT 2601 |
| Email address | hgac@nhmrc.gov.au |
| Telephone | (02) 6217 9487 |