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.

 

AAMRI President, Professor Julie Campbell, said the Government had 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.”