New Frontiers in Genomics and Regulation: Reforming the Australian Patchwork with a National Approach and Enhancing Data Security.

Abstract

The regulation of genomic data in Australia remains unwieldy. Effective laws that protect genomic data and regulate their accessibility will be increasingly important in order to ensure the Australian population receives the individual and collective benefits of genomics. This article begins the discussion of a new model for regulating genomics in Australia - one that can reform the patchwork with a national approach that addresses the fundamental issue of data security. It argues that the security issues associated with genomic data can lead to national reform, and ultimately, an improved Australian regulatory model. It seeks to initiate discussion of how this might be achieved in practice, considering necessary Constitutional law reforms. Finally, it outlines administrative arrangements that could facilitate a national approach, and the responsibilities of a national agency for regulating genomics.