Australian governments will work towards nationally coordinated genomic data infrastructure and embed genomics into wider digital health, cyber security and artificial intelligence governance under a new five-year national framework.
The National Health Genomics Policy Framework and Implementation Plan 2026-2030, endorsed by Health Ministers, sets out a national approach to making genomics a routine part of healthcare. It supersedes the 2018-2021 framework and is aimed at reducing fragmentation and duplication between jurisdictions.
The framework says governments will collaborate on genomic testing and digital capability, including opportunities for nationally coordinated approaches to specialist genomic services and integrating personalised medicine across the health system.
One of its four strategic priorities is the responsible and secure management of genomic information, alongside building a sustainable health system and improving access and equity.
A foundational project will examine genomic information management practices and infrastructure across clinical and research settings, including the capability of laboratories, clinical services and linked health systems.
The resulting approach is intended to support national consistency and use standards-based methods to improve interoperability, privacy and security, while integrating genomics with broader digital health reforms and infrastructure.
A separate ongoing activity will embed genomics in national digital and AI governance. Governments and sector partners will work to ensure genomic data is considered in national cyber security frameworks, digital health strategies and AI governance – with alignment to standards for data protection, ethical AI use and digital system resilience.
The plan also calls for an assessment of digital platforms used for genomic analysis, including virtual gene panels and reference genomes. The work will consider tools used in Australia and overseas and inform future approaches to clinical decision-making, data sharing and nationally consistent genomic analysis.
Digital infrastructure also features in plans to map the current availability of genomic testing and services across Australia. A national stocktake will examine workforce and infrastructure capacity and identify opportunities for coordinated testing between jurisdictions and associated data infrastructure.
The framework also proposes mapping existing data collection across governments and potentially expanding national datasets with genomic indicators covering health outcomes, equity, access, workforce and health system performance.
Genomic data governance is given particular attention because of the sensitivity of information that can have implications for individuals and families across generations.
The framework commits governments to secure and appropriate use of genomic data, including applying Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander genomic information.
The Health Chief Executives Forum will oversee implementation of the framework, supported by an interjurisdictional committee.
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