Functions of the Council
The general functions of the Reproductive Technology Council are covered in section 14 of the Human Reproductive Technology Act 1991, and in effect set its Terms of Reference. Amendment of the Act in 1996 allowed the Council to grant extensions to permitted storage of embryos to the Council. Click here for further information.
Its functions are to:
- formulate and review a Code of Practice to govern the use of artificial fertilisation and storage procedures carried on by licensees;
- advise the Commissioner of Health on the suitability of applicants, and compliance of licensees with conditions of their licences;
- make sure that any research carried out by or on behalf of a licensee on eggs, sperm, or participants, has general or specific approval of Council;
- advise the Minister for Health on matters related to reproductive technology;
- encourage and facilitate research into the causes and prevention of all types of human infertility and on the social and public health implications of reproductive technology; and
- to promote informed public debate and education on these issues.
List of Members
Membership of the Council - 2010-2011
-
Professor Con Michael, Chair (nominee of the Minister for Health representing the Australian Medical Association);
- Dr Simon Clarke, (nominee of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists);
- A/Professor Jim Cummins, (nominee of the Minister for Health);
- Ms Justine Garbellini, (nominee of the Health Consumers’ Council WA)
- Professor Roger Hart, (nominee of the University of Western Australia, School of Women’s and Infants’ Health);
- Ms Anne-Marie Loney, (nominee of the Minister for Child Protection);
- Dr Brenda McGivern, (nominee of the Law Society of Western Australia);
- Dr Joe Parkinson, (nominee of the Minister for Health);
- Dr Beverly Petterson, (nominee of the Minister for Health);
- Ms Patrice Wringe, (nominee of the Department for Communities Office of Women’s Interests);
- Adjunct A/Professor Mo Harris, (Executive Officer ex officio, Senior Policy Officer, Department of Health).
Deputy Members
- Ms Jane Baker, (nominee of the Minister for Child Protection);
- Dr Peter Burton, (nominee of the University of Western Australia, School of Women’s and Infants’ Health);
- Reverend Brian Carey, (nominee of the Minister for Health);
- Dr Angela Cooney, (nominee of the Australian Medical Association);
- Dr Andrew Harman, (nominee of the Law Society of Western Australia);
- Ms Suzanne Midford, (nominee of the Department for Communities Office of Women’s Interests);
- Dr David Miller, (nominee of the Minister for Health);
- Dr Kathy Sanders, (nominee of the Minister for Health);
- Dr Lucy Williams, (nominee of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists);