Independent MP backs Research Australia and AAMRI over ‘missing’ MRFF millions

Dr Monique Ryan MP, Independent Federal Member for Kooyong, has reignited concerns over the Federal Government’s distribution of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) dollars after Research Australia and Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) repeatedly flagged the issue over the past two years.

The Future Fund Board of Guardians determined that $973 million was available for grants under the MRFF for 2024–25. Yet only $650 million was allocated in the Federal Budget to be disbursed. This mirrors the 2023-24 shortfall, where $870 million was available but spending was capped at the same $650 million.

Established by legislation in August 2015, the MRFF is an investment fund that reached its target balance of $20 billion in July 2020. The fund’s capital is invested, with the earnings intended to power the health and medical research. Decisions on disbursements sit with the Health Minister, guided by an expert advisory board that develops the MRFF Strategy and Funding Priorities under a 10-Year Investment Plan.

“The MRFF was established to support critical medical research – but the government’s failing to distribute its funds, despite having billions of dollars set aside for that very purpose. Australian medical researchers have delivered world-changing innovations but they’re battling loss of funding from the Trump administration and lack of support from our government. We should fund their work and secure a healthier future,” said Dr Ryan.

According to AAMRI, the gap between what government grants fund and what medical research institutes are expected to cover to deliver impactful research continues to increase. The sector is currently facing an unsustainable position that is forecasted to result in some institutes closures by 2029.

Research Australia has argued that the government should increase the MRFF’s disbursement from $650 million to align with the Future Fund Board’s determined amount of $973 million. It has also recommended amending the MRFF Act to ensure that investments and distributions reflect this change, a position the organisation has consistently advocated since 2023.

Health and medical research accounts for 26% of Australia’s R&D activity. While the government’s investment in R&D still sits below the OECD average, every dollar invested in Australian medical research results in a $3.90 return on investment.

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