Legislative Council Committee A, Tuesday 6 June 2023

CHAIR - .... I understand that, in terms of neonatal screening, New South Wales currently screen for SMAs, spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic condition, and Queensland's about to start. Is there any intention of Tasmania to start this as part of the neonatal screening program? Yes, the five day imprint, or however many days it is now.

Mr ROCKLIFF - Yes.

CHAIR - There's a range of tests done there, but as I understand, it's not one of the ones included in Tasmania. It's a new -

Mr ROCKLIFF - Yes. I know there was a trial done in New South Wales in a particular manner.

CHAIR - It's been introduced in New South Wales, I think.

Mr ROCKLIFF - Look, I stand to be corrected and we've just signed a national partnership agreement for that very purpose. So, it's in train, but we're also looking at the testing capacity in South Australia.

CHAIR - More tests go to South Australia. Yes.

Mr WEBSTER - That's right. So, through you, minister, we're waiting on South Australia switching it on so our tests can continue through South Australia.

CHAIR - So it will be introduced once South Australia say they've got capacity. Is that what you're saying? It will form part of the one test for cystic fibrosis and all the others I've lost track of.

Mr WEBSTER - That's what my understanding is.

CHAIR - So, we don't have a specific time frame for that then yet for parents who are asking about this.

Mr WEBSTER - Through you, minister. So the Federation Funding Agreements - that's what they're called. The FFA is going through a process in Tasmania. We are delayed by South Australia, but as soon as South Australia switch it on, and we are already in negotiations with them about time frames, we don't have a precise date at this point.