Amendment to the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990 – Involvement of incapacitated adults in research

The Guardianship and Administration Amendment (Medical Research) Bill 2020 has been passed by Parliament and has been in effect from yesterday, 8 April 2020. The Guardianship and Administration Act 1990 now provides an avenue for the inclusion of incapacitated adults in research. This is particularly relevant at this point in time when clinical trials related to COVID-19 are of critical importance.

For your information please see the following documents:

• Media statement from the Attorney General and Minister for Health dated Tuesday 31 March 2020.
• Position Statement released by the Office of the Public Advocate.
• The Guardianship and Administration Act 1990 with tracked amendments (Blue Bill).