Consultation Hub

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (the department) sought feedback on proposed changes to the Private Health Insurance (PHI) classification spreadsheet template.  

The proposed template aimed to simplify the spreadsheet by removing information already available in MBS XML files and reducing duplication and better support stakeholders in implementing Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) changes.  

During consultation period, the department received feedback from a number of stakeholders, including private health insurers and sector representatives.

Stakeholders were broadly supportive of the proposed changes and agreed that the revised template would improve usability, reduce duplication with MBS XML files, improve visibility of changes between spreadsheet versions, and streamline implementation processes. 

Some stakeholders noted the importance of ensuring information remains accessible during implementation. 

The department considered the feedback received and incorporated relevant suggestions into the revised template including removing fields duplicated with the MBS Online XML and adding a list of deleted MBS items. The PHI classification spreadsheet for 1 July 2026 was published 4 June 2026 using the revised template.

The 1 July 2026 spreadsheet in the superseded template was circulated to stakeholders by email to allow stakeholders to test and validate their systems.

The department thanks stakeholder for their participation and valuable feedback throughout the consultation process.

Between 17 March and 2 April 2026, we sought your feedback to inform the design of new public immunisation dashboards. The consultation focused on how data from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) could be made easier to find, understand and use. Your input has helped shape the design and content of the dashboards to ensure they are clear, accessible and meet the needs of a diverse range of users. 

The consultation generated strong engagement, with 209 responses received from a broad range of stakeholders, including government agencies, research organisations, peak bodies and members of the public. Overall, respondents expressed strong support for the development of public immunisation dashboards, recognising them as a significant improvement on existing reporting products and highlighting their value for decision‑making across policy, operational and public contexts. Respondents indicated the dashboards would be used for a wide range of purposes, with a consistent emphasis on supporting action‑oriented activities, and most expect to use them regularly. 

Feedback on the design was broadly positive, with dashboards described as clear, modern and professional. However, respondents identified opportunities to further improve usability, including reducing visual density, strengthening navigation, and making key insights easier to interpret at a glance. There was also strong demand for greater interactivity and export functionality, clearer definitions and methodological transparency to reduce the risk of misinterpretation, and embedded guidance and support materials. Accessibility was consistently viewed as a baseline expectation, with emphasis on readability, colour contrast, and inclusive design for a wide range of users. 

We have analysed the feedback received through the consultation and incorporated it into the design and development of the dashboards and supporting materials. This includes improvements to usability, navigation, and the clarity of information presented, as well as the development of user guidance and methodological documentation to support interpretation. 

Feedback from this consultation will also inform ongoing enhancements to the dashboards and the development of additional resources to support stakeholders in using the data effectively over time. 

We thank all individuals and organisations who provided a submission. Your feedback has played an important role in shaping the new dashboards, which are now available here: Immunisation dashboards | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. 

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.