Research Australia, the national peak body for health and medical research and innovation, welcomes the announcement of the Coalition’s Shadow Ministry and looks forward to continued engagement across portfolios critical to the future of Australia’s health and medical research system.
As the national peak body representing the entire health and medical research pipeline, Australia is committed to working with the Shadow Ministry to strengthen Australia’s research capacity, accelerate health innovation, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our health system.
We are particularly pleased to see the re-appointment of Senator the Hon Anne Ruston as Shadow Minister for Health, Aged Care and Sport, and welcome the addition of the important National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) portfolio to her responsibilities. Senator Ruston’s longstanding support for Australia’s health and medical research and her active interest in the development of a National Health and Medical Research Strategy offer confidence and continuity during a pivotal time of reform.
Research Australia also welcomes the appointment of Senator Jonathon Duniam to the Education portfolio, the Hon Alex Hawke MP to the Industry and Innovation portfolio and the Hon Melissa Price MP to Science. They all bring valuable experience and will be key stakeholders as major policy reforms progress, including the Strategic Examination of R&D, the National Research Infrastructure roadmap, and the implementation of the Universities Accord.
While noting these important appointments, we are disappointed that the Science portfolio will sit outside of Shadow Cabinet. Given the central role science plays in Australia’s prosperity and for improving productivity and innovation, we urge the Opposition to ensure that science and research policy remain prominent in its policy priorities. We look forward to working with the Shadow Science Minister and the broader Coalition to maintain momentum on critical national reforms.
Health and medical research accounts for over a quarter of Australia’s R&D and ensuring the success of initiatives such as the Strategic Examination of R&D and the National Health and Medical Research Strategy is essential for the health and success of our sector, and our nation.
The 48th Parliament presents a generational opportunity to reform Australia’s R&D system and health and medical research and innovation sector to ensure it is more responsive, sustainable and future-focused. There is a lot of work for this term of Parliament and Research Australia looks forward to continuing to work with all Parliamentarians to champion the contribution of our members and the broader health and medical research sector.
