13 July 2020
The Morrison Government is backing cutting-edge research into two of the most prominent health conditions that affect millions of Australians – diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The Government will invest $47 million over four years into a new program to accelerate research into preventing, diagnosing and treating the conditions.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the program would bring together industry, researchers, clinical organisations, businesses and philanthropists to deliver results.
“Diabetes and cardiovascular disease affects millions of Australians and this research will make a difference in the lives of so many people,” Minister Hunt said.
“It will also save lives. Heart disease kills one Australian every 12 minutes, while diabetes causes more than one in ten deaths in our nation.
“This investment will consolidate research being done and see ideas developed into outcomes more quickly.”
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the nature of the investment meant there was also great economic potential.
“You can’t put a price on health, but this investment will unlock collaboration that is going to save lives as well as commercialise ideas which can grow our economy and create Australian jobs.
“A key focus of this accelerator will be on bringing new and innovative drugs and devices to market which can help Australians but also be sold to the world.
“The med tech sector is incredibly vibrant in Australia but the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the opportunities for us to grow that even further.”
MTPConnect – one of the Federal Government’s Industry Growth Centres – will deliver this initiative in collaboration with an independent Board of experts.
Read the joint media release from the Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP and the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, the Hon Karen Andrews.
Related: MTPConnect to Deliver $47M Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Accelerator Program
