Research Fund welcome but needs new money: Bandt
Greens spokesperson on science and research Adam Bandt MP today welcomed the move to establish the Medical Research Future Fund, but said it must be funded with new money for the sector.
“The Greens welcome the move to establish the Medical Research Future Fund, but it must be funded with new money for the sector,” Mr Bandt said.
“We’ll look closely at the legislation to make sure it doesn’t allow for ‘cost shifting’ away from other areas of research and health, like the NHMRC budget.”
“The Greens are pleased to have been part of the campaign to decouple the GP fee from the research fund, but now we need to find a sustainable and fair revenue source.”
“This is a chance for the Abbott government to find new money for health and medical research and lift the country’s research and development spending from its current 30-year low.”
“Investment in research is vital for our wellbeing and our economy, especially for non-mining states. Growing the research sector and the business that it generates is core Greens policy.”
“Australia will need something to sell the rest of the world when the mining boom is over so the Greens want to see medical research get the same kind of multi-billion dollar support currently given to fossil fuels.”
Media contact: Adam Pulford, 0429 109 054