2011 Federal budget campaign
In 2011, the Australian Government was facing one of the toughest budgets in many years. Having made a commitment to bring the budget to surplus by 2012/13 and with the added pressure of a multibillion dollar natural disasters clean up, the government needed to find savings across many areas.
Discoveries Need Dollars was formed to bring together supporters of medical research from throughout the Australian community, to tell the Australian Government that protecting medical research funding is an investment in the future health of Australians.
As rumours of the budget cuts spread in early March 2011, tens of thousands of Australians voiced their support for medical research by signing petitions, writing letters to politicians and using social media. Thousands also marched in Rallies for Research across the country.
Our supporters' messages were simple: medical research saves lives. Medical research brings hope to patients. Australians want medical research funding protected.
Discoveries Need Dollars 2011 campaign in numbers (as at 10 May 2011)
- 13,828 signatures collected for a government petition in support of maintaining government funding of medical research
- >12,000 people rallied in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Darwin and Brisbane
- >225,000 views of this website
- >11,188 votes on GetUp! for a campaign suggestion called 'Protecting funding for medical research in Australia'
- >8,300 Likes on Facebook
- >720 Twibbons added to social media profiles
- >725 followers of @protectresearch on Twitter
- >350 LinkedIn group members
- >350 people on our Honour Roll
The Australian Government ultimately protected medical research funding in the 2011-12 budget. Congratulations and thanks to all of our supporters who took action to protect research. Your voices were heard.
- Discoveries Need Dollars press release: Australian Government protects medical research in May budget (pdf)
- Read NHMRC CEO Update: Outcomes of the 2011-12 Budget for the NHMRC
- Read a letter from The Hon Mark Butler MP (pdf) to everyone who wrote or sent a postcard in support of the campaign.