AAMRI urges the Federal Treasurer to maintain medical research funding

The Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) has urged the Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan to protect the future health and prosperity of Australians by maintaining the Government’s investment in health and medical research in the 2012-13 Budget.

“With an estimated 75% of Australians reporting a long-term health condition,and the proportion of Australians aged 65 and over set to almost double in the next 40 years, Australians’ health will rely on advances in healthcare made possible through heath and medical research,” said AAMRI President, Professor Julie Campbell.

Professor Campbell said that health and medical research is also vital to tackle escalating healthcare costs and to reduce the negative pressures on economic growth resulting from an ageing population.

“By improving our understanding of disease risk factors and developing pioneering drugs and treatments,” she said, “research improves patient outcomes and reduces the burden of disease on our healthcare system and economy.”

“The Government recognised the importance of health and medical research in the 2011-12 Budget, maintaining investment and announcing a Strategic Review of the sector. We ask that it stays on course in the upcoming Budget for the benefit of the nation.” 

AAMRI’s 2012-13 Federal Budget submission also requests that the Government create a level playing field in health and medical research, based on merit, not organisation type. 

“Australia’s enviable international record in health and medical research is in large part due to the excellent performance of our nation’s independent medical research institutes,” Professor Campbell said. 

“Yet, under current arrangements, a researcher from an independent medical research institute would receive less than a university-based researcher to perform the same project. We’re just asking for a fair and balanced funding system.”

CONTACT:

Nicole den Elzen, Executive Officer, AAMRI

E: ndenelzen@wesleyresearch.com.au | M: 0431 666 346 | P: 07 3721 1709