Health Minister announces new Chair to spearhead implementation of One Stop Shop for clinical trials

MedTech & Diagnostics News: The Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP, unveiled the appointment of the new Chair of the Inter-Governmental Policy Reform Group (IGPRG) for health and medical research, Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb, set to lead the implementation of the National One Stop Shop for clinical trials.

The move underscores Australia’s commitment to becoming the premier destination for health-related human research and clinical trials, with a particular focus on oncology, neurology, respiratory, and ophthalmology clinical trials.

“In the context of a global expansion in clinical trials activity, Australia has maintained its reputation and strong growth, particularly in phase one trials and therapeutic areas,” Minister Butler stated at MTAA’s MedTech ’23 Annual Conference held at Sydney’s International Convention Centre (ICC). “Nonetheless, there are still opportunities to strengthen and streamline the environment for Health and Medical Research to increase productivity and build an innovation economy.”

Highlighting the challenges in the current clinical trials landscape, Minister Butler expressed concerns about fragmentation and inefficiency, especially in multi-site, multi-jurisdiction clinical trials. “This affects our ability to get the maximum benefit from research that is delayed or simply doesn’t commence because it’s just too hard,” he explained. “This, in turn, affects our ability to attract and develop capacity, leading to real talent shortages across the workforce.”

The appointment of Professor Chubb represents a significant step toward addressing these challenges and fostering a more cohesive and responsive operating environment. Minister Butler emphasised the importance of the National One Stop Shop as a key national reform led in collaboration with all state and territory governments, designed to provide a unified, streamlined platform for patients, researchers, and sponsors.

“Professor Ian Chubb, as the former Chief Scientist for Australia, brings a real breadth of experience in science and policy development to the role,” Minister Butler noted. “Under his leadership, the National One Stop Shop program will transform the health and medical research sector, delivering innovative treatments and improved health outcomes for all Australians.”

MTAA CEO, Ian Burgess, welcomed the appointment, stating, “We were fortunate to not only have the Minister make this announcement at our conference this year, but to also have Professor Chubb in attendance as one of our panellists discussing the importance of a vibrant and efficient health and medical research operating environment in attracting more clinical trials to Australia.”

Minister Butler added “I’m looking forward to a time where consumers, clinicians and researchers can easily identify up to date information about clinical trials that are relevant to them anywhere in the country. A streamlined, harmonised, effective, predictable and consistent operating system is essential for a vibrant health and medical research sector, and that’s what the National One Stop Shop will deliver.”

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