ASMR request for assistance in averting cuts to government investment in the NHMRC

ASMR has sought high level advice in regard to the prospects for maintenance of the NHMRC budget in 2010/11. We believe it is crucial to educate the government on the importance of continued investment in the sector for both health and economic reasons. The workforce modelling currently under commission will be part of the education process.

Our short-term goal for Health and Medical Research (HMR) in Australia, is to ensure NHMRC funding is not cut in the next Federal Budget. We have developed a presentation which is designed to educate, inform and call to action. In this case, action means individuals visiting or writing to their MP's, writing to the PM, the Treasurer and the Minister for Health as well as their shadow counterparts.

Letters and visits are needed now through October for the campaign to feed into the 2010 budget process.

We ask you to disseminate the attached fact sheet (a distillation of the presentation) and example letter to your members, asking them to take the actions recommended.

We can make a difference by taking action now!

With best wishes,
Dr Sarah Meachem
President
The Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR)
145 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2001
Telephone : 61 2 9256 5450 Fax: 61 2 9252 0294
Email:
Website: www.asmr.org.au