Genetics Health Network
Prof Peter O’Leary
Prof Peter O’Leary is the Director of the Office of Population Health Genomics, within the Division of Health Policy and Clinical Reform at the Department of Health, Western Australia. Prof O’Leary trained as a clinical biochemist and has special interests in population health genomics, strategic planning, translation of policy into practical heath improvements, national priority setting and the ethics of genetic testing. His career has focused on the evaluation of new technologies that contribute to early diagnosis of genetic and endocrine diseases.
Prof O’Leary established the Genetics Council of Western Australia in 2001, a health network that provides policy advice to the Health Department on genetic testing, familial cancer, ethics of genomics, newborn and prenatal screening and diagnosis. He also set up the Genetic Support Council of Western Australia, an umbrella group for self-help organizations catering for individuals and families living with genetic conditions.
Prof O’Leary represents the Western Australian Government on the Australian Health Ministers’ Clinical, Technical and Ethical Principal Committee and the Advisory Group on Human Gene Patents and Genetic Testing where he has been active in developing national policies on newborn screening for congenital conditions, prenatal screening for fetal anomalies and a national approach to genetic testing services. He has been involved with the work of local and interstate experts to implement mandatory fortification of food with folic acid in order to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects. Prof O’Leary contributed to drafting the national policy for prenatal screening for fetal anomies including Down syndrome for the Human Genetics Society of Australasia and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Prof O’Leary maintains an active role as Biochemist through PathWest with the antenatal screening program and the state newborn screening program. His clinical research activities include pediatric and feto-maternal endocrinology, thyroid disease and health policy evaluation.