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 - 2007-2008
- Professor Con Michael, Chair (Nominee of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology);
- A/Professor Jim Cummins, (Nominee of the Minister for Health);
- Ms Leonie Forrest, (Nominee of the WA Law Society);
- Dr Roger Hart, (Nominee of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of WA);
- Dr Joe Parkinson, (Nominee of the Minister for Health);
- Dr Beverly Petterson, (Nominee of the Minister for Health);
- Ms Patrice Wringe, (Nominee of the Health Consumers’ Council – Women’s Interest);
- Ms Jenny O'Callaghan, (ex officio member appointed by the Minister as Executive Officer of Council).
Deputy Members
- A/Professor Neville Bruce, (Nominee of the Minister for Health);
- Rev. Brian Carey, (Nominee of the Minister for Health);
- Dr Angela Cooney, (Nominee of the Australian Medical Association);
- Dr Brenda McGivern, (Nominee of the WA Law Society);
- Ms Sue Midford, (Nominee of the Health Consumers' Council - Women's Interest);
- Dr Nyaree Jacobsen, (ex officio member appointed by the Minister as Deputy Executive Officer of Council).