Continuing its advocacy for increased action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Australian Antimicrobial Resistance Network (AAMRNet) this month lodged its pre-budget submission to the Department of the Treasury, seeking a stronger policy response from the Australian Government as part the 2025-2026 Budget.
The submission highlights that AMR is linked to over 5,000 deaths in Australia each year. With more Australians dying each year from AMR than on our roads, the need for meaningful investment in sensible actions to both improve access and support development and translation of new antimicrobial treatments is urgent and overdue.
AAMRNet is calling for a four-year, $135 million ‘AMR action package’ to help protect Australia and our Pacific neighbours from the escalating pandemic of AMR. It includes:
Establishing an AMR-focused accelerator in Australia to support and translate home grown innovation, mentor and upskill Australian researchers and strengthen the pipeline of new antimicrobial technologies.
Investing in a pilot subscription fund for novel antimicrobials to ensure Australians have equitable access to the latest life-saving antibiotics.
Supporting regional preparedness and resilience against AMR through innovation and ensuring equitable access to antimicrobials in the Pacific region.
AAMRNet co-chair and MTPConnect CEO Stuart Dignam says urgent action on AMR in 2025 and beyond is a must.
“We are continuing our efforts to create an accelerator that will back Australian research into new antimicrobial innovations. And we want to see the recommendations from the HTA review implemented without delay,” Mr Dignam said.
“While the World Health Organization says AMR is as one of the most pressing public health threats facing humanity, and it’s detailed as one of 13 key challenges in the MRFF’s research and innovation priorities, the last dedicated AMR-focused Australian Government budget measures expired in June last year.
“The plan we’ve put forward through AAMRNet and MTPConnect features targeted investment in sensible, cost-effective initiatives that would save lives and also position Australia as a global and regional leader in combating AMR.
“Through Howard Florey and his Nobel prize-winning work developing penicillin into an antibiotic treatment, Australia has played a key role in the antibiotic revolution of human health, and our researchers, entrepreneurs and industry players can do it again and we’re ready to work in partnership with government to deliver,” he said.