July 2005

Funding boost for neurotrauma research

A $63 million State Government initiative will boost research into brain and spinal nerve injuries in Victoria.

Speaking in Philadelphia at BIO2005—the world’s largest biotechnology conference—Premier Steve Bracks said the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) would provide $60 million with the Victorian Government contributing another $3 million over five years to fund the new Victorian Neurotrauma Initiative (VNI).

Neurotrauma is any damage to nerve pathways and usually involves trauma to the brain and/or spine.

‘The human and financial costs of neurotrauma are devastating,’ Mr Bracks said.

‘An estimated $500 million in healthcare and related expenses is spent each year to support the 6,000 Victorian paraplegics and quadriplegics who suffer spinal and head injuries.

‘Tragically, the average age of those suffering spinal cord injury in Victoria is 19, so it is young people who are most likely to suffer these life-long injuries.’

Acting Premier John Thwaites, speaking at an event in Melbourne to mark the announcement, said

Victoria had a number of neurotrauma researchers and research projects underway but the new initiative would coordinate research and new developments to improve patient outcomes and care.

‘The VNI will invest in research-led improvements for treatments, management and better quality of life for neurotrauma patients.’

Mr Thwaites said the $63 million initiative would fund:

• New equipment in ambulances;

• Training of staff on new procedures in trauma response;

• Research into trauma response and practice;

• Clinical spinal restoration research;

• A Neurotrauma Research and Development Initiative coordinated by Neurosciences Victoria.

Minister for the TAC John Lenders said more than 700 Victorians suffered severe traumatic spinal and brain injuries each year with most injuries occurring through road accidents.

‘Car crashes are the leading cause of traumatic spinal and brain injury with hundreds of Victorians sustaining long-term catastrophic injuries from road accidents each year,’ Mr Lenders said.

‘The Victorian Government is not only committed to providing car accident survivors with the best support but also to investigating improvements in care and treatment.’

Innovation Minister John Brumby said the VNI would complement other neuro-related projects headquartered in Melbourne including the Australian Stem Cell Centre, the National Neuroscience Facility, the Victorian Spinal Cord service at the Austin, the Brain Imaging Research Centre and the Centre for Medical Bionics.

The Victorian Trauma Foundation (VTF), TAC and Neurosciences Victoria (NSV) will work with the Victorian Departments of Human Services and Innovation, Industry and Regional Development to provide a comprehensive program under the VNI.