Consultation Hub

Between 23 January and 6 March 2026, we sought your feedback on the consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) prepared for the DIR 223 licence application (clinical trials of a genetically modified adenovirus for the treatment of bladder cancer from Ferring Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd).

During the 6-week consultation period, we received advice from prescribed Government agencies, Local Government Areas and the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee. No submissions were received from the public.

We heard support for:

• the proposed limits and controls listed in the RARMP
• the overall conclusions of the RARMP.

We also heard concerns for exposure of people following shedding of the genetically modified adenovirus from clinical trial participants into the environment.

We analysed the feedback provided during the public consultation process in finalising the RARMP. The issues raised and how they were addressed can be found in Appendix A of the final RARMP.

The Gene Technology Regulator issued a licence to Ferring Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd for clinical trials with a GM adenovirus on 10 April 2026. More details, including the final version of the RARMP and the licence, are available at DIR 223 | Office of the Gene Technology Regulator.

We appreciate all those who provided input to the consultation – your feedback will help to ensure that any risks posed by gene technology to people and the environment continue to be managed.

Between 21 January and 05 March 2026, we sought your feedback on the consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) prepared for the DIR 222 licence application (Clinical trial of genetically modified (GM) adenovirus from Novotech (Australia) Pty Ltd).

During the 6-week consultation period, we received advice from prescribed Government agencies, the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee, and the public.

We heard support for:

• the overall conclusions of the RARMP
• the licence conditions for DIR 222

We also heard concerns for exposure of people following shedding of the genetically modified adenovirus from clinical trial participants into the sewerage.

We analysed the feedback provided during the public consultation process in finalising the RARMP. The issues raised and how they were addressed can be found in Appendices A and B of the final RARMP.

The Gene Technology Regulator issued a licence to Novotech (Australia) Pty Ltd for the clinical trial of GM adenovirus on 14 April 2026. More details, including the final version of the RARMP and the licence, are available at DIR 222 | Office of the Gene Technology Regulator.

We appreciate all those who provided input to the consultation – your feedback will help to ensure that any risks posed by gene technology to people and the environment continue to be managed.

Between 17 November 2025 and 16 January 2026, we tested ideas for a new Commonwealth individual disability advocacy program.

We’re committed to improving and building on disability advocacy services, so they are easier to access and better meet the needs of people with disability, their families, carers and supporters.

We heard from people with disability, families, kin, carers, advocacy organisations, community groups, peak bodies and government agencies. Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas and experiences.

People agreed that individual disability advocacy is very important, that it helps keep people with disability safe, protects their rights, and supports people to make their own choices.

People said advocacy is especially important for people with disability at risk of harm, abuse or neglect, or who feel excluded.

Most people said the new program is a good opportunity. They said it could make advocacy stronger. People said success depends on careful design and careful rollout. People told the government about some key things to focus on, such as:

• supporting different types of organisations, including local and community-based support
   
• supporting more people to access advocacy supports and services, including raising awareness
   
• ensuring services are accessible to people with different culture and language needs
   
• supporting advocates with training and funding
   
• planning changes carefully.

We analysed all feedback including survey responses, submissions, and additional insights. This information has been incorporated into a consultation report, which will guide us to:

• inform the design of the new advocacy program
   
• create the rules for funding and grant guidelines
   
• carefully plan the changes as the new program begins.

Next steps / watch this space

The final design of the new Commonwealth individual disability advocacy program, including any future grant opportunities, is subject to decisions by government.

Any information about potential grant opportunities will be released publicly on GrantConnect, in line with the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Principles 2024.

Organisations can register to receive notifications about forecast and grant opportunities as they arise.