Victorian Opposition pledges $100 million for medical research

The Victorian Coalition has pledged a $100 million funding injection over four years for the state’s medical research institutes if it wins the November 2026 election. This proposal follows reports of existential financial difficulties within the sector.

Victoria’s 14 independent medical research institutes are facing significant budgetary pressures due to stagnant federal funding and rising research costs. The Australian Association of Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) estimates that 10 of the 14 centres could be forced to close by 2030 without improved finances. The association has been advocating for state government funding to increase from $48 million to $95 million annually.

Recent developments include the Hudson Institute of Medical Research announcing plans to merge with Monash University. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson stated that the industry is at risk of losing skilled jobs and investment, while health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier criticized the current government for failing to provide long-term funding certainty.