AAMRI thanks Minister Hunt, a true champion of medical research

The Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) is saddened to see the announcement from the Hon Greg Hunt MP that he will step down from politics at the next election, and sincerely thanks him for his strong support for medical research.

AAMRI has been working closely with Minister Hunt in his role as Health Minister since 2017. During this time his sustained interest and engagement with medical research institutes made him a true champion and friend of the health and medical research sector.

“Minister Hunt has been a superb advocate, understanding the complexities of medical research and the need for long-term commitments, backed by new investment,” said Professor Kathryn North AC, AAMRI President.

Amongst his many achievements, Minister Hunt oversaw the establishment and full capitalisation of the $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). While Minister Hunt might be retiring from politics next year, the positive impact and legacy of the MRFF will be felt for decades to come.

Professor North said the MRFF is set up to create sustained, long-term research funding. “It has also been used to quickly fund COVID and public health research to ensure that Australia has been as responsive as possible during the pandemic,” she said.

Notable was how often he engaged with medical research institutes at a grass roots level, frequently visiting Institutes around Australia and taking keen interest in the latest medical research developments.

AAMRI wishes Minister Hunt the best with his future endeavours and looks forward to working with him until he steps down.