Building SA’s Health And Medical Research Institute
The Australian Government’s health and hospital reform took another step forward today with the turning of the first sod of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.
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Joint Release
Hon Nicola Roxon MP
Minister for Health and Ageing
Hon Kate Ellis MP
Member for Adelaide
Hon John Hill MP
Minister for Health
13 July 2010The Australian Government’s health and hospital reform took another step forward today with Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon, South Australian Health Minister John Hill and Member for Adelaide Kate Ellis turning the first sod of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).
SAHMRI will be a 25,000 square metre world-class research institute designed to ensure South Australia plays a leading role in health and medical research into the future. The institute has been made possible because of funding from the Australian Government’s Health and Hospital Fund. Major works are set to commence next week.
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon said the Australian Government was pleased to be providing funding to assist the development of a world-class facility to bring together existing researchers and encourage people from overseas to come work in Australia.
Minister Roxon said, “The Australian Government’s investment in SAHMRI has been made possible due to our strong financial management of the economy.
“The SAHMRI is part of our Government’s determination to build a better health and hospital system for Australian families.
“Construction work here is expected to create around 1,400 direct and 1,500 indirect jobs and once completed the facility will house up to 675 researchers – with around half of those expected to be new to South Australia,” said Minister Roxon.
Minister John Hill said, “This new, unified health and medical research institute will not only help to attract the best and brightest researchers from around the world, it will also bring together leading researchers already here.
“Working in a beautiful and exciting building with the best and most modern facilities available, the scientists here will also be able to link up with the work of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital.
“This hub of energy, experience and expertise will work to combat and prevent disease and be of tremendous benefit patients in this State and far beyond,” Mr Hill said.
Member for Adelaide Kate Ellis welcomed the start of construction of this important facility for the medical research reputation of South Australia.
Ms Ellis said, “The benefits of this Australian Government investment are two-fold for the people of Adelaide. Firstly, it will provide thousands of jobs during construction over the next few years and secondly we are creating a long-term home for medical researchers.”
Minister Roxon, Minister Hill and Member for Adelaide Kate Ellis were welcomed on to the site by the SAHMRI board member and internationally renowned South Australian research scientist and Chair of the SAHMRI Research Committee Professor John Hopwood and SAHMRI Deputy Chair Alan Young.
Professor Hopwood has recently been awarded the prestigious 2009 Florey Medal for significant achievements in biomedical science and human health advancement.
Professor Hopwood is head of the Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit, SA Pathology, at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
SAHMRI has been made possible due to a $200 million commitment by the Australian Government’s Health and Hospital fund.
Media enquiries:
Mark Ward (Minister Roxon’s Office) 0437 125 938
Rik Morris (Minister Hill’s Office) 0400 269 602
Jamila Rivzi (Minister Ellis’ Office) 0438 644 603
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