Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

The Medical Research Future Fund will support vital research that will form the basis for the development of new medicines and technologies. This research can be exported to the world, providing benefits to all. It will boost the standing of our scientists and medical researchers in the international health research community, strengthening Australia's standing as one of the global leaders in the field. For a relatively small nation, Australia has a long and enviable reputation in medical research, with half of our 16 Nobel laureates having been awarded the prize in physiology or medicine. I am also pleased that one of these was a Tasmanian-born. And I am pleased that my state contributes to research through the Menzies Centre in Hobart and the Clifford Craig Medical Research Trust in Launceston.

This is nation building. It is capacity enhancing. It is a visionary initiative by the Abbott government which every Australian can and should celebrate. (Time expired)