Category: Australian News

The Morrison Government is investing more than $21 million to help turn vital medical research into better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for patients.
The grants announced today will support projects targeting a range of health issues affecting Australians, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. They are:

• $10 million from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Targeted Translation Research Accelerator to create a Cardiovascular Disease Research Centre, the Australian Stroke and Heart Research Accelerator
• $10 million from the MRFF Targeted Translation Research Accelerator to create a Diabetes Research Centre, the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations
• $1.76 million in industry-led fellowships for researchers and clinicians from the MRFF Researcher Exchange and Development within Industry (REDI) initiative.

Australian medical researchers are among the best in the world. Our Government’s investments will help take their innovations from bench to bedside and ensure that their research is pursued, to make a real difference to people’s lives while also boosting our economy and creating jobs.
The MRFF funding to establish the research centres for cardiovascular disease and diabetes will be used to accelerate the development of new therapies towards clinical practice and improved patient care.
This investment will be supplemented by substantial co-contributions from the sector, with more than $11 million in cash and $23.3 million of “in kind” support committed by the research centres’ partner organisations, leveraging the Government’s own $20 million commitment.
Both national research centres are uniquely placed to foster collaborations across academia, industry, and community and consumer groups, enabling considerable advances towards tangible products and solutions for sustainable health and economic benefits.
The Australian Stroke and Heart Research Accelerator will help to transform the field of cardiovascular disease research in Australia by bringing a new sector-wide focus on clinical impact and clinical entrepreneurship.
The Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations will deliver novel interventions for debilitating diabetes complications, building an ecosystem of translation, commercialisation and clinical impact for the diabetes sector.
I am also pleased to announce the next cohort of REDI Fellowships to support Australian researchers, clinicians, and professionals in medical technologies, biotechnologies and pharmaceuticals gain real world experience and skills by being deployed into industry settings.
REDI is a four-year initiative supported by the MRFF and delivered by MTPConnect.
The ten researchers and clinicians selected as REDI Fellows will be working on priority research projects covering a broad range of fields, from robot-assisted electrode insertion to precision cancer diagnostics and new antibiotics targeting drug-resistant “superbugs”.
The MRFF is a $20 billion endowment fund which is providing a sustainable, long term boost to Australia’s medical research sector.

Investing in medical research projects with the potential to deliver better health outcomes to more Australians is a Government priority.
That is why the Morrison Government is investing more than $25 million in three companies working at the cutting edge to save lives and improve lives.
The investments from the Biomedical Translation Fund (BTF) announced today will support projects targeting a range of health issues affecting Australians. They are:

• $10 million to Cynata Therapeutics to support work on the large-scale manufacture of stem cells
• $5 million to Acrux Limited to develop drugs that are taken through the skin, not as injections or pills
• $10.6 million to Axial Therapeutics for the treatment of neurological diseases and disorders, harnessing ground-breaking science in the microbiome-gut-brain axis, including developing a new therapy for children with autism.

The $500 million BTF consists of equal parts Commonwealth and private sector funding, to commercialise high potential medical discoveries.
The Morrison Government is backing Australia’s next generation of medical advances and the investments mean these businesses have the potential to take their technology to the next level.
The BTF investment in Cynata Therapeutics means it can continue its work to develop commercial scale manufacture of stem cells, without the use of multiple bone marrow donors.
Stem cells are used to treat a range of diseases including heart disease, osteoarthritis and stroke.
Acrux Limited will use its BTF funding to develop and commercialise topical drugs (gels, creams and ointments). This is an alternative to needle injections or oral medications that may need to be taken several times a day and may have an unpleasant taste.
The BTF investment will allow Axial Therapeutics to advance its gut-restricted molecular therapy for irritability in children with autism. It will also be used to progress the company’s program of drug discovery for serious neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, based on the microbiome gut-brain axis.
Our Government continues to invest in the cutting-edge medical technologies and treatments that will save lives, while growing a sector that can create jobs for Australians now and into the future.
2021 New Biomedical Translation Fund Investments

An Albanese Labor Government will improve Australia’s disaster readiness by investing up to $200 million per year on disaster prevention and resilience.
Thousands of Australians who face bushfires, floods and cyclones every year deserve to be protected by a Federal Government who plans ahead and invests to keep them safe.
Labor’s Disaster Ready Fund will curb the devastating impacts of natural disasters by investing in important disaster prevention projects like flood levees, sea walls, cyclone shelters, evacuation centres, fire breaks and telecommunications improvements.
These investments will literally save lives, not to mention the taxpayers’ funds that have to be spent on recovery and repairs when disasters hit.
Australians are renowned as the best disaster responders in the world. They deserve to be backed by a government that looks forward, plans and prevents the worst.
Instead, the Morrison Government continues to sit on a $4.7 billion Emergency Response Fund that has done nothing to help.
Three years after it was announced, the ERF has not spent a cent on disaster recovery and has not completed a single disaster prevention project. The only thing it has done is earn the Government over $750 million in investment returns.
Labor will revamp the failed ERF so that it spends up to $200 million per year for disaster prevention and resilience.
If matched by State, Territory or local governments, it would provide up to $400 million annually for investment in disaster prevention and resilience – something called for by groups as broad as the Government’s own Productivity Commission, insurers, local governments and disaster relief bodies.
Labor’s Plan for Disaster Readiness will also:

• Continue to fully fund disaster recovery through the existing Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements
• Cut red tape so disaster resilience funding can get out the door faster
• Improve the efficiency of disaster recovery processes, to simplify and speed up payments to disaster victims and repairs to damaged infrastructure.
• Assist with spiralling insurance premiums in disaster-prone regions, by reducing the risk of expensive damage to homes and businesses.

As with COVID-19, the Morrison Government’s failure to plan and prepare for natural disasters has left Australians vulnerable.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We know weather events are on the horizon – we have the smarts and the resources to prepare and prevent. We just need a government with a plan.
Only an Albanese Labor Government will keep Australians safe and communities strong in the face of natural disasters.
Only Labor will build a better future for disaster prone communities.

• Increase the physical footprint of the event in the city of Rockhampton,
• Invest in more infrastructure to meet growing requirements of a technology enabled event,
• Revitalise the international program to reconnect with international customers and supply chain partners.

The Australian Greens are calling on the Morrison Government to immediately suspend mutual obligations on jobseekers and others on income support to protect the community during Omicron’s rapid spread.
Australian Greens spokesperson for community affairs and social services, Senator Janet Rice said:
“Before the pandemic, mutual obligations were already gross, discriminatory and ineffective; now meeting the requirements is putting people in direct danger.
“Forcing people on JobSeeker and other income support – many of whom might be sick or caring for someone who is sick – to attend interviews, job services provider appointments and other face-to-face activities is putting thousands of people at further and unnecessary risk of contracting COVID.
“The Morrison Government must immediately suspend mutual obligation requirements until the pandemic is over, or better yet, abolish the broken system altogether.
“Morrison must stop pretending the pandemic is over and realise people are struggling more than ever to keep their heads above water. The government has made the deliberate choice to keep JobSeeker and other payments below the poverty line, and made the COVID disaster payments prohibitively difficult to access for most people who need them.
“The government must immediately and permanently raise income payments for all who need it back to the $550 a fortnight pandemic supplement we saw in 2020.
“We are still in the middle of this pandemic. But unlike 2020, the Morrison Government has no plan and is providing almost no support to the people that most need it.
“If the government has $100 billion to spend on dangerous nuclear submarines, they have enough not to force people to live in poverty.”

Greens acting Leader, Nick McKim says the confusion and mismanagement of the pandemic on a Federal level is symptomatic of a Government led by people who want government to do as little as possible.
The Morrison-Joyce ‘small government’ neoliberal ideology has contributed to failures on quarantine, vaccination rollout, aged care and massive pressure on state run health systems.
The Greens will take a message to the election that a better resourced, better run government willing to take responsibility for programs can do more to mitigate and adapt to the twin challenges of climate and covid.
Greens acting leader Senator Nick McKim said:
“Confusion continues around testing, vaccines for kids, aged care and isolation rules. Scott Morrison and Barnaby Joyce don’t really believe in government, and it shows.
“The Greens know that a democratic government can be a powerful force for good, and that the Australian people are becoming increasingly sick of a government that wants to outsource every responsibility.
“We should make big corporations and tycoons pay their fair share of tax so we can fund government programs to respond to the challenges of Covid and climate change.
“Australia deserves better than people who scream about wanting no government at all, while occupying the highest offices in the government.
“At every turn the neoliberal ideology has stopped us from taking action, from purpose-built quarantine to domestic mRNA vaccine production. The government always claims it’s ‘too hard’, but really they would just ideologically prefer a corporation do it.
“We also need a government led response on climate. Market incentives alone are not going to move fast enough for Australia to do it’s part to meet the Paris goals for a safe climate.”

The Morrison Government is investing in the future competitiveness of Australian health and medical research with more than $44 million for postgraduate scholarships, international collaboration and research infrastructure and equipment through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Investment in health and medical research capability through postgraduate scholarships and international partnerships is critical to both create and maintain Australia’s competitive sector.
This funding is part of the $1 billion available for NHMRC’s 2021 grant round, the highest yet through the Medical Research Endowment Account.
The postgraduate scholarships will create opportunities for many graduates in medicine and health sciences to pursue their ideas and tackle the health challenges facing our community.
Today’s investment also includes funding to support international collaboration by established researchers.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said sharing scientific knowledge enables Australian researchers to develop best practices and build international research networks that will accelerate discoveries and their translation into better health outcomes.
“NHMRC’s international partnerships bring researchers together to promote global health objectives and strengthen Australian participation in international research efforts,” Minister Hunt said.
“This announcement is also an investment in the next generation of Australian medical research leaders, with the careers of many of Australia’s foremost health and medical researchers kick-started by an NHMRC postgraduate scholarship.”
Funding announced today comprises:

• $25.7 million to contribute to infrastructure costs of research for 21 independent medical research institutes through the Independent Research Institutes Infrastructure Support Scheme (IRIISS).
• More than $7.24 million to support the early research careers of 65 outstanding health and medical graduates through NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships.
• More than $2.8 million to support collaboration with our regional neighbours, sharing vital resources and ideas to combat complex regional health challenges through NHMRC’s participation in the e-ASIA Joint Research Program.
• More than $2.5 million to support collaborative research with partners through the 2021 NHMRC – European Union Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND) Grants and NHMRC – National Institute for Research Health (UK) Collaborative Research Grants.
• $5.7 million for 45 grants for the procurement of equipment to support the highest quality health and medical research.

“A strong health and medical research system relies on scientists, clinicians and others working together to share knowledge and accelerate discoveries and their translation into better health outcomes,” NHMRC CEO Professor Anne Kelso AO said.
“This collaboration begins with postgraduate research students learning from their mentors, sharing skills and ideas, and continues with international partnerships when researchers around the world come together to solve shared health challenges.”
NHMRC Postgraduate scholarships

NHMRC e-ASIA 2021 Joint Research Program

2021 NHMRC-European Union Joint Programme on Neurodegenerative Disease Research – JPND

2020 NHMRC-NIHR Collaborative Research Grant Scheme Round 3

Three million vaccines are being distributed ahead of the start of the school year to enable the 2.3 million children now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID to get their first vaccine.
They will join children aged 12 to 15, who are rapidly taking up vaccination as part of Australia’s successful vaccination program.
Australia is one of the most vaccinated countries against COVID-19, with over 91 per cent of the eligible population now fully vaccinated and more than three million boosters administered to date.
Australia is also one of the first countries to commence vaccinating children against COVID-19, with the United States also offering children aged 5-11 the Pfizer vaccine.
Over 73 per cent of 12 to 15 year old children have been fully vaccinated and now children aged 5 to 11 can come forward and benefit from the protection a COVID-19 vaccination provides.
High rates of vaccination among children not only contributes to overall community protection but also reduces the chances of outbreaks causing further disruption to children’s schooling and other activities.
Following the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) approval of the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine for the 5 to 11 age group, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has advised the Australian Government on how best to safely incorporate it into Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program.
Parents, carers and guardians can be reassured that by vaccinating their children against COVID-19 they have done everything possible to keep their child safe from this virus.
The Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds will be distributed to vaccine providers in different packaging to the vaccine approved for people 12 and over, and will be clearly differentiated by being dispensed from orange-capped vials instead of grey or purple capped vials.
As with other age groups, the use of this vaccine in children aged 5-11 years should be given in two doses at least 8 weeks apart.
Vaccine deliveries began in late 2021 and have undergone rigorous batch testing in the TGA laboratories.
This vaccine – like all other vaccines – is safe, effective and free and has undergone extensive testing for safety and efficacy before being approved by the TGA.
To date, Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for use in this age group.
The TGA is also currently evaluating an application from Moderna for its COVID-19 vaccine to be used in Australia for children aged 6 to 11 and the Government already has supply deals in place to make it available should it be approved by the TGA and recommended by ATAGI.
Bookings can be made via the Commonwealth’s Vaccine Clinic Finder.

Parents of young children will get help to build their parenting skills under a new Morrison Government-funded national program grant opportunity opening today.
The Parenting Education and Support Program will enable all parents of children up to 11 years of age to develop the confidence and skills they need to support the mental health and wellbeing of their children, including identifying potential problem behaviours early.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said the program was one of a number of initiatives announced in the 2021-22 Budget in response to key recommendations and actions from the Productivity Commission’s Mental Health Inquiry Report and the Government’s world-first National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
“The Parenting Program will offer free, universal, easily accessible, and interactive online parenting education and the Morrison Government is investing $42.3 million over four years from 2021-22 to 2024-25 to make it happen,” Minister Hunt said.
“Our Government will provide funds to an organisation to deliver engaging and interactive parenting resources, strategies and learning tools for parents and carers with a child 0-11 years of age, supported by a national promotion campaign.”
“The Parenting Program will mean more confident parents and carers, and more emotionally well and resilient children. It will improve understanding of children’s mental health and wellbeing, enabling parents and carers to better identify potential behaviour problems, and when and how to access help earlier.”
“The Morrison Government is profoundly committed to protecting the mental health and wellbeing of children and their families – and I am confident the Parenting Program will fill a real need in this area.”
A national study supporting the Children’s Strategy found low levels of child mental health literacy among most Australian parents. It revealed 65% of parents in Australia are not confident they could identify the signs of social or emotional problems in their children and 66% don’t know where to go for help.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman said a key objective is to reduce stigma when parents and carers ask for help and support for themselves and their children.
“The Parenting Program will become the ‘go to’ online resource for people looking to improve their mental health literacy – a normal, proactive parenting option for parents and carers, both new and experienced,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“The Parenting Program will be promoted widely through schools, early learning services, child health and mental health centres, general practitioners, headspace services, Adult Mental Health Centres, Head to Health Kids Hubs and Primary Health Networks.”
“A national multi-media communication campaign will also promote the availability and value of the program, including tackling stigma around participation.”
The Morrison Government is providing unprecedented funding and support for mental health, investing a record $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform.
The guidelines for the grant opportunity will be advertised on the GrantConnect website. More information can be found on this website at: www.grants.gov.au

An Albanese Labor Government will commit $163 million to conserve the Great Barrier Reef and support the tens of thousands of jobs that depend on it.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s national icons. It is central to Queensland life and the Queensland economy. In a normal year, the Reef supports 64,000 jobs and generates $6.4 billion in income.
Preserving national assets like the Great Barrier Reef is an important part of Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia.
In protecting the reef, we are also protecting our future.
To immediately boost conservation efforts and jobs, Labor will commit $85 million to scale up ‘shovel-ready’ work for coral to coast reef resilience and land restoration projects in Reef catchments.
To defend the Reef against the risk of being added to the World Heritage ‘in danger’ list, Labor will commit to funding the Reef 2050 program through to the end of the decade, committing an extra $63 million over the forward estimates.
The current Liberal National Government handed almost half a billion dollars to a tiny, ill-equipped, private foundation in a backroom deal, without a tender.
Labor will terminate the much-criticised funding arrangement with that private foundation, and reallocate any unspent funds, while retaining worthwhile programs.
The future of our reef cannot be dependent on a dodgy Liberal jobs-for-mates deal.
Labor will commit $15 million to marine research in the Southern part of the Great Barrier Reef, to scale up the Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre in Gladstone.
The Reef faces significant conservation challenges, in addition to climate change, which remains the greatest threat to Reef health.
Alongside these environmental risks, perceptions about Reef health as well as the COVID-19 pandemic have meant extraordinarily tough times for tourism operators, environmentalists, traditional owners, and regional communities.
The Morrison-Joyce Government has gone missing when it comes to backing North Queensland through this tough time. And they have no plan for what happens next.
Australia’s incredible natural environment is part of who we are as a country and is a drawcard for tourists all over the world. We need to shore up the future of these natural assets just like we do other parts of the economy.
Only an Albanese Labor Government can be trusted to stand up for the Reef and the jobs and communities it supports.
Only Labor will build a better future for Queensland.