Plan B and the MRFF

The Abbott government has retained its commitment to raise $20 billion for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) with its revision of the controversial GP co-payment.

In ‘Plan B’, the government will change the $7 GP co-payment to a $5 co-payment and provide an adequate safety net for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in the community.

Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Professor Doug Hilton, welcomed the announcement saying that the government’s decision had removed a significant barrier to the community and that government support that would be required for the proposed $20 billion fund to be realised.

“I encourage federal MPs and senators to reach agreement on the proposed funding model for the Medical Research Future Fund,” said Hilton, who is also president of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes and a member of the MRFF Action Group.

“The current funding structure for medical research has not been able to support the full potential of our research workforce, and for many years we have been telling governments that stronger investment is required. I congratulate the Australian government on having the courage to take a bold approach to improving how research is funded,” he said.

Independent analyses have demonstrated that investment in Australian health and medical research results in long-term economic savings, with a return of at least $2 on every $1 invested in research.