The Medico-Legal Society of Victoria

Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret'd) was awarded the Knight of the Order of Australia in January 2015 for extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to Australia, through distinguished service in the Australian Defence Force, continued commitment to serve the nation in leadership roles, particularly the national responses to the MH370 and MH17 disasters, and in a variety of roles in the community.

Dr Rebecca Kogios, Executive Director, Victoria Police, Forensic Services Department will discuss the use of DNA in criminal investigations including identifying persons of interest through DNA profiles uploaded to internet genealogy websites and databases as occurred recently in California with the identification of the Golden State Killer.”

Personal genomic testing or online DNA testing has challenged the traditional model of clinical genetic testing. This type of testing is advertised directly to the consumer and is marketed globally for a range of health and recreational (predominantly ancestry) purposes, posing a number of ethical concerns. While research has focused on its use by early adopters, mostly in the USA, little is known about Australians’ expectations and use of this type of testing. The Genioz study (Genomics: National Insights of Australians) was funded through the Australian Research Council, and collected Australians’ perspectives on personal genomic testing. This presentation will give an overview of the findings. Outcomes from this study are informing educational strategies and policies in Australia to support potential consumers, and healthcare professionals, to understand and make meaningful and well-considered decisions about the benefits, harms, and implications of personal genomic tests.

Ann Thomas is the Managing Partner at International Family Lawyers Group LLP). Ann is a Lawyer who specialises in International Child Relocation. She is recognised as a leading International Children’s Lawyer and is head of the International Family Law Group’s international children’s team. Ann has been involved in a number of International high profile and reported Cases and is often asked by the Media to comment on topical issues in Family Law. Ann (with her fellow partner and co-founder of the firm David Hodson) have also written on recent developments in family law and have presented seminars on the international aspects in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and elsewhere. This particular topic will cover lessons which can be learnt for all us in the Legal and/or Medical profession when dealing with very high-profile cases unexpectedly. She will also cover the developments of global co-operation. By way of background, Ann is also a classical trained singer (Royal College of Music) and had a career in Teaching before qualifying as a solicitor. Outside work she teaches CPR and undertakes voluntary work at The Phylis Tuckwell Hospice and at St Luke’s Cancer Centre (Royal Surrey Hospital). We welcome Ann and David to Melbourne from London. Chatham House rules will apply to this meeting