Post by The George Institute for Global Health

It has been a busy and productive few weeks engaging with policymakers and partners across Australia’s health and medical research sector. In Canberra, representatives from The George Institute attended a workshop hosted by Dr Sophie Scamps MP, alongside Dr Michael Freelander MP, Dr Monique Ryan MP, and Assistant Minister for Health Rebecca White. The discussion focused on important public health measures to improve children’s diets. We were fortunate to provide members of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Medical Research with a tour of The George Institute and the Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase world-leading research and discuss how policy can better support innovation and improve health outcomes. We also welcome the recent announcement by Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler on Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) reforms, including a new $128 million allocation to support indirect costs of research. This is a significant step forward in strengthening Australia’s health and medical research system, and reflects sustained advocacy efforts across the sector. Together, these engagements highlight the importance of continued collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and advocates to drive meaningful improvements in public health and medical research.