Neuroblastoma Australia Responds to Federal Budget Announcement

Neuroblastoma Australia is extremely disappointed the Federal Budget did not include specific funding for CAR-T Cell treatment for solid tumours - it’s a devastating omission for Australian children diagnosed with neuroblastoma. 

While we welcome Federal Health Minister Butler’s statement outlining a commitment to increase clinical trials funding to $539.3 million and the expansion of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to $1 billion by 2030/31, for families facing relapsed neuroblastoma, one of the deadliest childhood cancers, access to innovative and potentially life-saving therapies remains urgently needed. 

International research and early clinical trials continue to demonstrate the promise of CAR-T Cell therapy for children with aggressive and difficult-to-treat solid tumour cancers, including high-risk neuroblastoma.  

Research progress must be matched by access to therapies for children currently undergoing treatment. Families facing relapsed neuroblastoma cannot afford to wait. 

Neuroblastoma Australia will continue advocating strongly for government funding and equitable access to CAR-T Cell treatment for Australian children with relapsed neuroblastoma. Every child deserves access to the best possible care and the greatest possible chance of survival, regardless of where they live. 

We remain committed to working with government, clinicians, researchers and the wider community to ensure children with neuroblastoma are not left behind. 

Lucy Jones, CEO, Neuroblastoma Australia  

About Neuroblastoma Australia 

Neuroblastoma Australia funds world-class research into neuroblastoma, raises awareness of this aggressive childhood cancer, and supports families affected by the disease. Neuroblastoma most commonly affects children under five years of age and survival rates for aggressive disease remain critically low.  

Further reading:

Minister Butler's Budget Statement

Neuroblastoma Australia Budget Media Release