Science Academy welcomes commitment to protect Australia’s medical research

The Australian Academy of Science has welcomed a commitment by Tony Abbott and Peter Dutton to protect the nation’s health and medical research budget.

“Australia has a long and proud record of world-changing health and medical research but there remain areas of high community need, such as age-related illness, mental health and Indigenous health,” said Academy President Professor Suzanne Cory.

“We must build on our current investment in all science education and research to take forward and develop new ideas, both for the wellbeing of Australian people and to ensure that our nation remains competitive and productive.

Professor Cory called on all parties to match the Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s promise that health and medical research would be protected.

“I look forward to comparing such positive science policy announcements by all political parties,” she said.

In a submission to the McKeon Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research last year, the academy proposed a gradual increase in health and medical research funding over the next 13 years, to 2% of the nation’s total health spending.

The academy’s science priorities will be released soon via its pre-Budget submission to the Treasury: Priorities for Australian Science.

“A vibrant scientific research sector attuned to our national priorities is vital if we are to make continuing improvements to quality of life and health outcomes for all Australians,” Professor Cory said.