Position statement on the use of genetic testing results in life insurance underwriting
Genetic testing saves lives. In clinical settings, it identifies the need for crucial treatments, while in medical research, it drives scientific breakthroughs essential for the future of precision medicine and personalised healthcare. However, the lack of a legislated ban preventing the life insurance industry’s use of genetic testing results in underwriting is causing concern for […]
Statement ahead of the 2022 Federal Election
In May 2022, the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences released a statement ahead of the 2022 Federal Election. The statement focused on the need for strategic investment in Australia’s health and medical research sector to mitigate major health challenges. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, health and medical research has been in the global spotlight. […]
Academy statement on the health impacts of climate change
Climate change represents one of the greatest threats to human health and wellbeing in the 21st century. In April 2022, the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences released a statement on the health impacts of climate change. A growing body of scientific evidence demonstrates unequivocally the risks of a warming climate, revealing potentially devastating […]
Academy statement on Australia’s vaccine roll-out
Coinciding with the commencement of Australia’s vaccine roll-out on 21 February 2021, the Academy released a statement that welcomed this important step, and highlighted the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s robust review process for vaccine efficacy and safety. The statement also called for Australia to play a role in timely and affordable access to the vaccine for […]
Statement on COVID-19 vaccine roll-out
The Academy published a statement, ‘Vaccination roll-out a crucial step in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic’, welcoming the roll-out in Australia as an opportunity for people to take action that will help to protect themselves, their families and the wider community, on 21 February 2021. Download the statement below.
Statement on COVID-19 response – December 2020
AAHMS published its report, ‘Maintaining strong foundations and building resilience: planning Australia’s path through the COVID-19 pandemic‘, looking ahead to the pandemic in 2021, on 15 December 2020.
The background briefing, ‘COVID-19 key tools and measures – where are we now?’ was published alongside this report to summarise the current evidence behind that report.
Joint call to action to improving accessibility and linkage of data for better health outcomes
On 11 July the Academy published a joint call for action in partnership with the Australian Academy of Science for ‘Improving accessibility and linkage of data to achieve better health outcomes for all Australians’. The statement highlighted the need to reduce barriers caused by jurisdictional, legal and ethical regulations that risk causing serious delays to […]
2019 Federal Election statement
On 1 February 2019, the Academy published a statement ahead the Federal Election, to set out our vision for how a future Government can further improve the lives of all Australians through health and medical science, while also advancing Australia’s international competitiveness and future prosperity. The statement highlighted how research and innovation drive economic growth, […]
Consultation response on Women in STEM Decadal Plan
In October 2018 the Academy responded to a consultation on the Women in STEM Decadal Plan, a 10-year roadmap jointly led by the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. In our response, we highlighted the opportunity for Australia to gain a competitive edge by addressing the issues and barriers […]