FHRI funding boost in State Budget to drive WA medical research

The Cook Labor Government's State Budget has delivered a funding boost for Western Australia's groundbreaking Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund to support world-class research, innovation and commercialisation.
  • Close to $350 million of funding for health and medical research in State Budget
  • Positioning Western Australia as a leader in health and medical research
  • Investing in priority programs such as the Spotlight Program to address Western Australia's unique health challenges
  • Cook Labor Government investing in research for a healthier future for all

The Cook Labor Government's State Budget has delivered a funding boost for Western Australia's groundbreaking Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund to support world-class research, innovation and commercialisation.

$348 million has been made available to the FHRI Fund for the next four years to support more researchers, innovators and industry partners across WA, while accelerating delivery of the State's health and medical research and innovation priorities.

This builds on the $292 million already awarded to more than 810 recipients since the FHRI Fund was established in 2020.

The increased investment will also support implementation of the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025-2030, providing a clear, long‑term framework for how the Fund will continue to strengthen WA's health and medical research and innovation system.

The FHRI Fund Scheme Annual Investment Plan accompanies the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025-30, outlining how and when funding will be invested across FHRI Fund Programs and Initiatives each financial year.

A key component of the Fund is the Spotlight Program, which targets one major, uniquely Western Australian health issue each year with multi‑year investment of up to $25 million per round.

This year's Spotlight focuses on rheumatic heart disease, addressing a critical and ongoing public health challenge that disproportionately impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The upcoming FHRI Fund Open Day - RHD Spotlight Awarded will mark the announcement of the rheumatic heart disease Spotlight recipient, with a new Spotlight priority to be launched later this year.

Through continued and increased investment, the FHRI Fund will help grow capability, facilitate collaboration and translate research into real‑world health outcomes for Western Australians.

Comments attributed to Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:

"This funding boost to the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund ensures Western Australia will support our world-class researchers and innovators to deliver solutions to the health challenges facing our community.

"The Cook Labor Government is continuously working to build strong foundations and a long-term strategy to position Western Australia as a leader in health and medical research and innovation.

"Ultimately, this investment is about improving health outcomes for Western Australians now and into the future."

Comments attributed to Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:

"The WA Future Health Research and Innovation Fund is helping drive a focus on prevention-based research in Western Australia, backing innovation that keeps people healthier for longer and reduces pressure on our health system.

"By shining a spotlight on rheumatic heart disease this year, the FHRI Fund is demonstrating our government's commitment to tackling serious but preventable conditions through research, partnerships and early intervention."