BCNA joins Advisory Group to shape generational reform in health technology assessment

The Albanese Government has announced the formation of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review Implementation Advisory Group (IAG), marking a significant step toward generational reform in Australia’s healthcare system.

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is proud to have its Chief Executive Officer, Kirsten Pilatti, appointed as a member of this influential group.

This appointment is a culmination of BCNA’s decades-long advocacy for a health technology assessment process that is transparent, equitable, and inclusive. As a member of the IAG, BCNA feels privileged to have a seat at the table, and it is committed to ensuring that the voices of all Australians are reflected in these reforms, which aim to reshape healthcare for generations to come.

The IAG will guide the implementation of recommendations from the HTA Review Report, released in September. These recommendations focus on improving access to new technologies, ensuring equity, and simplifying processes for consumers and clinicians. The report also highlights the need to reduce delays in funding medicines and futureproof the HTA system to address emerging challenges.

Health technology assessment evaluates the quality, safety, efficacy, and value for money of new health technologies before they are subsidised by the government. These reforms aim to ensure all Australians have timely access to life-saving and innovative treatments.

Elevating the role of patient advocacy in generational reform

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, emphasised the critical role of patient organisations like BCNA in shaping healthcare policy, education, provision, and research. He also acknowledged the global recognition of Australia’s patient groups as leaders in ensuring consumer voices are heard.

“We are living in a supercharged period of discovery, and the velocity of that change is stress testing every part of the health sector, from clinical practice to business models, to our systems for health technology assessment,” Minister Butler said.

“The HTA Review Report was a critical piece of work that brought together governments, health experts, patients, and industry. Global surveys tell us that Australia’s patient organisations lead the world in confidence that they are listened to and taken seriously by government. This group continues our government’s efforts to elevate patient voices in key decisions.”

BCNA’s inclusion in this advisory group reaffirms its leadership in driving patient-centred reforms and ensuring lived experiences remain at the heart of healthcare decision-making.

BCNA’s vision for generational reform

BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti said: “The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a vital system that must ensure all Australians have access to the best possible treatments in a timely manner.

"For decades, BCNA has called for reform to the HTA process, and we feel deeply privileged to have a seat at the table. I am committed to ensuring that the consumer voice is heard and that lived experience shapes our healthcare system at every level. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure a fit-for-purpose system that delivers better outcomes for all Australians.”

BCNA’s advocacy focuses on creating a system that is inclusive of all voices and ensures no community is left behind as these reforms are implemented.

Members of the HTA Review Implementation Advisory Group

The IAG is chaired by Professor Andrew Wilson, Co-Director of the Menzies Centre for Health Policy at the University of Sydney, and includes a distinguished list of experts:

• Dr Richard Mitchell, Head of Clinical Services, Kids Cancer Centre
• Dr Lorraine Anderson, Medical Director, Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services
• Nicole Millis, Chief Executive Officer, Rare Voices Australia
• Elizabeth de Somer, Chief Executive Officer, Medicines Australia
• Anne Harris, Deputy Chair, Medicines Australia Board
• Prof Emily Lancsar, Chief Health Economist, Department of Health and Aged Care
• Duncan McIntyre, First Assistant Secretary, Technology Assessment and Access Division, Department of Health and Aged Care

A representative for state and territory governments will also join the group.

BCNA is honoured to contribute to this transformative initiative and will continue advocating to ensure the voices of all Australians shape the future of healthcare.