Such an approach is being planned by the ACCV, VCGS and Royal Melbourne Hospital to support the new pilot colorectal cancer genetic service. An Internet site will be used as a means for disseminating information on the service to general practitioners. Electronically stored information would reduce the cost of printing pamphlets and distribution. Production of some printed materials may still be necessary for other primary health providers who do not have appropriate technology to access data from central resources. In Victoria, genetics has a prominent position in senior biology and science curricula.
Teachers can provide ample opportunities for their students to learn about genetics.
In addition, the recent introduction of ethics into the curricula could provide a forum in which the ethics of genetics can be discussed. However, many teachers have little or outdated knowledge about genetics and associated ethical issues. In the past, members of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia, the WEHI and the VCGS have combined to provide in-service workshops that refresh and renew teacher knowledge and understanding of genetics and current developments. It is clear that a more systematic approach to this in-service training will be required if teachers are to take advantage of the recommendations of the new curricula. This approach should be coordinated by a small management committee from the Department of Education, science teachers, genetics professionals, ethicists, legal experts and representatives of relevant consumer and ethnic groups.