Frequently asked questions about the Victorian Cancer Agency
What is the Victorian Cancer Agency?
The Victorian Cancer Agency is a Consultative Council to the Minister for Health, the Hon Daniel Andrews MP.
When was the Agency formed?
The Agency was announced in April 2006 and was formally established in July 2007.
Where is the Agency located?
The Agency is co-located with the Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) at 1 Rathdowne Street, Carlton. The Agency has a separate entrance at 12 Victoria Street.
Why was the Agency created?
The Agency was created to facilitate cancer research in Victoria, and to foster the rapid translation of research findings into clinical practice.
What is the purpose of the Agency?
The Agency’s main task is to foster translational cancer research in Victoria with the aim of advancing evidence-based practice and improving cancer patient care and outcomes in the State.
What is translational cancer research?
Research that aims to improve patient care. This includes laboratory-based or clinical studies, population / health services research, including supportive care and psychosocial research.
What does the Agency do?
The Agency strategically supports, facilitates and invests in translational cancer research and associated infrastructure.
What are the objectives of the Agency?
- to develop strategic priorities for translational cancer research in Victoria
- to deliver innovative funding programs to meet identified gaps and achieve priorities
- to build research capacity and capability across Victoria
- to provide leadership and advice on state-wide matters related to cancer research
- to establish and foster linkages across the sector – industry, academia, health services, research and Government
- to measure the effectiveness of its actions.
How will the Agency achieve its objectives?
The Agency will work with people in the field to develop a cancer research strategy for Victoria in early 2008.
What will the cancer research strategy contain?
The cancer research strategy will set strategic priorities for cancer research in Victoria according to need, and will outline approaches to addressing these needs.
Who will benefit from the cancer research strategy?
A coordinated approach to fostering and facilitating translational cancer research aims to benefit both researchers working in the field and cancer patients.
Where do the funds to operate the Agency come from?
The Agency is funded through the Victorian State Government Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD).
What is the relationship between the Agency and the State government?
The Agency receives funding from the DHS and DIIRD and must report to both entities. The Agency also offers strategic advice to the Victorian Government regarding cancer research.
How much money is being committed by the State Government to ensure the success of the Agency?
The Agency received $15 million between 2006 and 2008. Ongoing funding is currently under consideration by the Victorian Government.
What does the Agency do with its funding?
The Agency provides long- and short-term funding to translational cancer research projects and also invests in infrastructure that facilitates research, such as workforce initiatives. The Agency is keen to foster collaborative relationships across industry, research, practitioners and consumer groups, and to add value to existing research activity.
Who heads the Agency?
Professor Daine Alcorn, Pro-Vice Chancellor of RMIT, is the chair of the Consultative Council, and Dr Jane Sewell is the Acting Manager of the internal team.
What is the Consultative Council?
The Council drives the activity of the Agency and reports, through the Chair, to the Minister for Health.
Who sits on the Council?
There are 12 Council members; these include cancer researchers, clinician-researchers, clinicians and experts in the areas of industry, academia, administration and law.
What is the relationship between the Agency and the Cancer Council of Victoria?
The Agency and the CCV have developed a Memorandum of Understanding that underpins our working relationship. The two organisations have different focuses: the CCV will, and the Agency will not, raise funds, provide support to individuals with and at high risk of cancer, or undertake preventative research or community education programs. All funding programs will be complimentary and non-overlapping.
What is the relationship between the Agency and the proposed Comprehensive Cancer Centres?
The cancer research strategy for Victoria will consider the development and role of comprehensive cancer centres, and the Agency will facilitate translational cancer research within these centres.
What is the relationship between the Agency and the Victorian Breast Cancer Research Consortium (VBCRC), Victorian Prostate Cancer Research Consortium (VPCRC) and Victorian Cancer Biobank (VCB)?
The Agency provides funding to VBCRC and VPCRC; it is likely to provide funding to the VCB in the future.
Does the Agency itself conduct research?
No.
Does the Agency have any impact on the health system?
The Agency will increase the level of research that is being undertaken in the health system, assisting the development of up-to-date, evidence-based practice.