Relief through research - make arthritis and MSK research a national priority

image of Relief through research - make arthritis and MSK research a national priority

Arthritis and musculoskeletal(MSK) research remain severely underfunded compared to other major disease groups. For every Australian living with arthritis and MSK, the government spent just $6 on research through the NHMRC in 2023. This compares to $108 per person living with dementia, and $72 per person with a cardiovascular condition.

On March 30, Arthritis Australia is calling on the Commonwealth Government to invest at least $100m in an Arthritis and MSK Research Mission through the Medical Research Future Fund, to deliver on our vision of an Australia where these conditions no longer limit participation, productivity or quality of life ...

Arthritis and musculoskeletal(MSK) research remain severely underfunded compared to other major disease groups. For every Australian living with arthritis and MSK, the government spent just $6 on research through the NHMRC in 2023. This compares to $108 per person living with dementia, and $72 per person with a cardiovascular condition.

On March 30, Arthritis Australia is calling on the Commonwealth Government to invest at least $100m in an Arthritis and MSK Research Mission through the Medical Research Future Fund, to deliver on our vision of an Australia where these conditions no longer limit participation, productivity or quality of life.

By establishing a Medical Research Future Fund Arthritis and MSK Mission, we drive targeted research to prevent disease, improve early diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately work towards a cure for these debilitating conditions - while saving the health system billions.

The Commonwealth Government is developing a National Research Strategy to guide future funding decisions. It is also currently reviewing how MRFF Missions will work in the future.

Now is the time to act so that the scale and impact of arthritis and MSK in our community is properly reflected in research investment.

We are asking our community to make your voice heard by emailing your MP or meeting your MP, asking them to advocate to the Minister for Health to fund an Arthritis and MSK MRFF Mission.

To get involved, share your story and ask for support:

Step 1: email your local MP/senator

Step 2: spread the word

What can you do?

Use our tool to email your local Member of Parliament and Senators and ask for their support. You can also ask to meet with them to discuss these issues in person - for advice on meeting with your MP, see our handy meet your MP tips.

Sharing your story in your own words is a powerful way to help parliamentarians understand the personal impact of arthritis and MSK, the vital role of research, and the support that is needed.

For more information, read our MRFF Communique.

Share this campaign with your colleagues, family and friends for even more impact.

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Supporting an Arthritis and MSK Research Mission is non-negotiable.

220 emails sent

Make your voice heard - use this handy tool to tell your MP and Senator in your own words why they should support our advocacy to the Minister for Health to fund an Arthritis and MSK Medical Research Future Fund Mission.

You can even take the next step and ask to meet with them to discuss these issues in person.

Our template email includes Arthritis Australia's proposal for a research Mission.

But be sure to include your own story, such as:

how arthritis and MSK affects you and your family
how it affects you physically, your ability to work and your finances
what proper funding for arthritis and MSK research and cures would mean to you

Find your local rep

Compose your email

Subject:

I am one of the 7 million Australians of all ages living with arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, which are a leading cause of chronic pain, disability and inability to work.

For every Australian living with arthritis and MSK, the government spent just $6 on research through the NHMRC in 2023.  This compares to $108 per person living with dementia, and $72 per person with a cardiovascular condition.

Arthritis Australia is calling on the Commonwealth Government to invest at least $100m in an Arthritis and MSK Research Mission, to deliver on our vision of an Australia where these conditions no longer limit participation, productivity or quality of life.

An independent Cost-benefit Analysis has confirmed that only a Mission-based approach can deliver the required outcomes, and would:

- Support 64 research and clinical jobs per year
- 2.2 x potential reduction in health system and productivity burden
- Deliver a potential net return to the economy of $360m
- Return $4.61 for every dollar invested

For more information, see Arthritis Australia’s MRFF Mission communique: https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RA_Communique_AA_20250830.pdf

The Commonwealth Government is developing a National Research Strategy to guide future funding decisions. Now is the time to advocate to make funding arthritis and MSK research a priority.

Will you commit to helping people with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions by sending a message to the Health Minister, supporting our call for an MRFF Mission, and attending the Parliamentary Friends of Arthritis breakfast on 30 March?

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