What does Australia’s investment in genomics mean for public health?

In 2018, the Australian Government allocated $500 million for a 10‐year Australian Genomics Health Futures Mission. The first project announced was ‘Mackenzie’s Mission’ – a $20 million trial of pre‐conception screening for rare and debilitating genetic birth disorders. The increasing focus on genomic medicine in Australia, which is also occurring in other countries, raises important questions about what the investment means for public health, and what trade‐offs may occur as a result. As Joyner et al. noted: “After several decades of substantial investment [in genomics and other big ideas], the fundamental question is whether these big ideas have improved quality of life and life expectancy, by how much, for how many, and for whom.” While Joyner et al. were speaking of the United States context, the same questions apply to Australia...