Funding cuts put lifesaving research at risk
Funding cuts put lifesaving research at risk
The future of medical research in the State is under threat, putting lifesaving research at risk, with the Federal Government poised to make severe funding cuts to the Menzies Research Institute Tasmania in the May Budget.
The future of medical research in the State is under threat, putting lifesaving research at risk, with the Federal Government poised to make severe funding cuts to the Menzies Research Institute Tasmania in the May Budget.
The internationally-renowned Menzies is facing funding cuts that could potentially see the loss of 150 medical research jobs and around 50 per cent ($10 million) of its current budget.
Menzies Director Professor Simon Foote said funding to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), which provides critical funding for Australia's medical research institutes, was expected to be severely cut from $715 million to around $400 million over three years.
"The repercussions for Tasmania if the cuts go ahead will be enormous in terms of the community's health, the cost of healthcare, and our long-term economic position," Professor Foote said.
"Many of our research projects into diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and Multiple Sclerosis will be slowed or completely stopped as a consequence.
"Menzies will no longer have the capacity to teach PhD research students and it will force some of Tasmania's best scientists to pursue career opportunities overseas."
Professor Foote said medical research needed long-term investment by the Federal Government and was essential for maintaining Tasmania at the cutting-edge of healthcare innovation and delivery.
"Protecting Menzies funding is not a matter of simply saving a Tasmanian icon, it's an investment in the future health of all Tasmanians and Australians," he said.
"Our medical research is highly valuable to the rest of the world, as we are able to take advantage of the unique competitive advantages Tasmania offers, including our small island geography, stable population, extensive genealogical records and a local community willing to participate in our studies."
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