The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences welcomes the Federal Government’s continued investment in health and medical research through the 2024-25 Budget, which was handed down yesterday evening.
The Academy welcomes the slight increase in National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding for 2024-25, alongside the ongoing $650 million ongoing Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) funding.
As outlined in the Academy’s Pre-Budget Submission, such investments in health and medical research will be maximised by better aligning and coordinating the NHMRC and MRFF through the National Health and Medical Research Strategy (National Strategy).
The Academy applauds the Federal Government’s commitment to developing the National Strategy, and looks forward to actively engaging with government, research sector, industry, philanthropic and consumer partners during this process.
The previously announced $1.89 billion Health Research for a Future Made in Australia investment package is the highlight of the Government’s latest budgetary commitment to health and medical research. The Academy was pleased to see this package, which includes a National One Stop Shop to facilitate better access to lifesaving clinical trials.
Other positive health-related aspects of this Budget include a $1.1 million investment in preventative health research, a new MRFF Reducing Health Inequalities Mission investigating ways to improve health services for First Nations people, and MRFF investments in research on women’s health.
Finally, the Academy welcomes the Government’s provision of $39.9 million over five years from 2023-24 for the development of policies and capability to support the safe and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in key areas such as health care. We hope this contributes to bridging the gap that experts have told us must be addressed for Australia to amplify our technological capabilities in health.
The Academy will have more to say on the development of the National Strategy in the coming days.
For further questions please contact our AAHMS Policy Manager Ruby Guyatt,
Email: [email protected] or phone: (07) 3106 0378