Media Release

MND Australia welcomes $40 million Federal funding for FightMND

Published: 30 January 2026

MND Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of $40.1 million in funding to FightMND to create the Neale Daniher National MND Clinical Network, describing it as a significant and positive step forward for motor neurone disease research in Australia.

MND Australia’s CEO, Clare Sullivan said the funding recognises the critical importance of ongoing research and the tireless advocacy of Neale Daniher, people living with MND, their families, and the broader MND community.

“This investment is a strong and welcome signal of the Government’s commitment to tackling MND and supporting world-leading research,” Clare said, “This is an important investment”.

Australians living with MND today need more urgent action.

Motor neurone disease is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurological condition with no cure. Every day in Australia, two people are diagnosed with MND and two people die from the disease. Average life expectancy following diagnosis is just 27 months, and there are currently around 2,750 Australians living with MND nationwide.

“People with MND don’t have time to wait,” Clare said “MND Australia strongly supports investment in research - but research alone is not enough”.

“People with MND need immediate access to specialist care, assistive technology, home modifications and coordinated support - and right now, too many Australians are missing out due to fragmented systems and inequitable funding.”

In its 2026-27 Pre-Budget Submission, MND Australia, the national peak body representing state and territory MND Associations, is calling on the Federal Government to complement research investment with targeted funding to improve care and support for people living with MND now.

Key priorities include:

• $12 million over two years to establish a National Unified MND Database, linking clinical, research and registry data to accelerate diagnosis, research and care planning.
• $30 million over three years to expand access to specialist MND clinics, improve outreach to regional and remote communities, and strengthen coordinated care delivered through state MND Associations.
• A formal fast-track aged care pathway for people with MND aged 65 and over, ensuring rapid access to assessments, assistive technology and high-level care.
• $287 million per year to fund disability supports in aged care at a level comparable to the NDIS, addressing the current age-based inequity that leaves older Australians with MND significantly under-supported.
• Medicare-rebated genetic counselling and access to no-cost IVF and pre-implantation genetic testing for families affected by genetic forms of MND.

We must also ensure that every Australian living with MND today receives the care, dignity and support they need, when they need it.”

MND Australia’s Pre-Budget Submission outlines a practical, costed and evidence-based roadmap to improve outcomes, reduce inequity and ensure no one faces MND without support.