Description:
Genomics Australia is being established from 1 July 2025 to provide national leadership and coordination on health genomics to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians. Genomics Australia will seek to improve the transition from research to clinical service delivery in accordance with Australian Government policy.
A key focus for Genomics Australia will be supporting the national objectives as articulated in the National Health Genomics Policy Framework. The Framework is currently being updated through a collaborative effort by the Commonwealth and all states and territories.
Genomics Australia will work with other Australian Government bodies and support Australian Government initiatives.
Genomics Australia will:
- Lead on addressing complex health genomics issues such as genomic information management, ethical considerations and ensuring culturally safe and responsive approaches to health genomics.
- Provide expert health genomics advice on issues that have whole-of-government implications such as industry investment, insurance discrimination and privacy frameworks.
- Conduct projects to give effect to the updated National Health Genomics Policy Framework.
- Provide the Australian Government with a national and international presence in health genomics.
- Inform the Australian public about health genomics and give stakeholders a focal point for government engagement and communications.
The Australian Health Genomics Commissioner , with the support and resources of Genomics Australia, will:
- Provide national leadership in the area of health genomics, with a focus on driving nationally agreed objectives as articulated in the updated National Health Genomics Policy Framework.
- Champion the integration of genomics into healthcare where the health and economic benefits support and justify integration.
- Provide impartial and expert advice in relation to health genomics to the Australian Government assessing health genomics proposals on their merits and the benefit they can deliver to the Australian people.
- Assist Australian governments to find effective ways of integrating health genomics technologies that complement governments’ existing health policy, systems and services.
- Support the Australian Government’s development of responsible health genomics data policy.
- Work with the health genomics sector, including researchers, clinicians, First Nations people, consumers and industry,to understand their priorities to inform advice to the Australian Government and Genomics Australia.
- Provide the Australian Government with a national and international presence in health genomics.
The Commissioner is responsible for ensuring Genomics Australia is achieving its objectives by providing expert advice and inputs as required. This leadership role requires someone who can combine their health genomics expertise with innovative strategies to improve health outcomes.
The Commissioner will play an important role in the coordination and stewardship of the health genomics sector as well as facilitating community engagement and international collaboration. This will include designing and implementing mechanisms or forums for engagement and ensuring these remain effective and fit for purpose.
The Commissioner will seek opportunities to collaborate with other countries and international organisations in accordance with Australian Government policy. The Commissioner will advise the Australian Government on developments in the international sector and manage risks associated with any collaborative arrangements.
As a health genomics representative for the Department and Government, you will need to be not only a strategic thinker but also an effective communicator who can build trust and inspire in a highly visible and scrutinised environment.
As a collegial leader, you will actively foster strong relationships across states and territories, recognising the importance of collaboration in addressing health care challenges in a federated system. By working closely with jurisdictional authorities, you will work to ensure that policies and strategies are aligned to improve health outcomes.
Eligibility To be eligible for employment with the Department of Health and Aged Care , applicants must be an Australian citizen at the time an offer of employment is made.
An applicant’s suitability for employment with the Department of Health and Aged Care will also be assessed through a variety of pre-employment check processes, such as:
- Satisfactory completion of a criminal history check, and where relevant, a Working with Children and Vulnerable People Check,
- Completion of a medical declaration and pre-employment medical (where required),
- Providing evidence of qualifications (where required), and
- Obtaining and maintaining a security clearance at the required level.
The ideal candidate would be able to demonstrate:
- Leadership experience in health genomics including a well established reputation and networks across the sector.
- A comprehensive understanding of Australia’s health care system, including understanding how state and territory governments work together, and with private and non-profit healthcare businesses and providers, to deliver health services in Australia.
- A good understanding of the application of health genomics in Australia across research, diagnostic and treatment environments.
- The ability to represent the Australian Government nationally and internationally.
- Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Pragmatic problem-solving skills to contribute to practical solutions.
- Exceptional results orientation, resilience, and a positive approach to issue resolution, with a focus on nurturing relationships for an inclusive and collaborative approach.
- Applications close Monday 31 March 2025 at 11:30pm AEDT.
- Applicants are asked to quote reference number 25-TAADIV-28444 to assist when making an enquiry.
- Employees perform their duties at one of the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) offices, in the locations specified in this advertisement. Remote working may be possible and is negotiated with your manager on commencement. Flexibility can be negotiated with your manager to balance your personal and professional needs with the needs of your role and business area.
The Department of Health and Aged Care is focused on achieving better health and wellbeing for all Australians. If you would like to join our team, and can meet our job requirements, we invite you to apply for a position with us to build better health, better care and better quality for all Australians. The department is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals are valued. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and cultures, so we can better represent the community we serve. The department welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, mature age people, people who identify as LGBTI+, and people with parenting and/or caring responsibilities.