The guideline will be developed in accordance with NHMRC’s rigorous guideline development process. This will include a multidisciplinary guideline development committee, evidence review, public consultation and declaration and management of interests.
Roles and responsibilities
NHMRC guidelines are developed by expert advisory committees that are established under section 39 of the NHMRC Act. Members are appointed for their expertise and experience across diverse professions and fields, with consideration given to balancing expertise against the risk of bias. The committees include people with lived experience and end users of the guidelines.
Appointed members of the guideline development committees are legally required to disclose details of interests related to the scope of the guidelines and NHMRC activities. Members will be provided with a list of disclosed interests at each meeting and will be asked to consider if any interest could affect their capacity to bring an independent mind to bear on the matters being considered by the committee.
NHMRC will be responsible for the performance and conduct of all NHMRC staff.
Timeline
| Development stage | Expected dates | Expected timing |
|---|---|---|
| Planning, governance, establishing committee and initial communications | February 2025 – July 2025 | 6 months |
| Scoping and targeted stakeholder engagement | June 2025 – December 2025 | 7 months |
| Evidence reviews (including engaging reviewers)* | September 2025 – September 2026* | 12 months |
| Development of publicly-consulted recommendations on puberty blockers | February 2026 – August 2026 | 6 months |
| Development of other recommendations and drafting guideline | September 2026 – May to September 2027 | 8-12 months |
| Public consultation | September 2027 – November 2027 | 2 months |
| Review of comments and draft finalisation | November 2027 – February 2028 | 4 months |
| NHMRC approval and release following Council consideration | March 2028 | 1 month |
*Puberty blockers will be prioritised.
Governance
The committees will report to the CEO. The guideline development committee will report to the CEO and Council of NHMRC. The Office of NHMRC (ONHMRC) will act as secretariat for the committees.
After the guidelines are developed and have been subject to public consultation and other quality checks, they will be provided to the Council of NHMRC, consistent with the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992.
Once Council of NHMRC provides the guidelines to the CEO, he then issues them in accordance with the Act.