South Australians living with motor neurone disease could soon see stronger support, earlier intervention and world-leading research delivered locally, with the Malinauskas Labor Government unveiling a $5.8 million election commitment aimed at improving quality of life and accelerating scientific breakthroughs.
The package includes plans to establish Australia’s first dedicated MND Biomarker Research Centre of Excellence, alongside increased funding for specialist equipment and frontline health professionals supporting people living with the progressive neurological disease.
At any given time, up to 200 South Australians are living with MND, with six to eight people losing their lives to the disease every month. There is no cure, and symptoms often worsen rapidly, impacting mobility, speech, swallowing and breathing.
A $1.8 million commitment would fund the new biomarker research centre as part of a broader collaboration between FightMND and Flinders University, based within the recently opened Health and Medical Research Building at Flinders. The centre would focus on identifying biological markers that can indicate whether treatments being tested in clinical trials are working — a development researchers say could dramatically speed up progress towards effective therapies.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the commitment reflects the government’s intention to lead nationally in MND support and research. “Motor Neurone Disease is a devastating condition which significantly affects quality of life and day-to-day living,” he said. “That’s why we’re taking to this election our plan to invest $5.8 million to improve the lives of South Australians with the disease.”
Alongside research investment, a re-elected Labor Government would allocate $4 million over four years to Motor Neurone Disease South Australia (MNDSA), expanding access to rapid-response equipment and specialist care for people over 65 who are not eligible for NDIS support.
Older South Australians make up around 60 per cent of MNDSA’s clients, yet many face lengthy delays navigating federal aged care systems. Up to 80 per cent of people over 65 living with MND die before receiving appropriate Commonwealth support, leaving MNDSA as a critical lifeline for equipment, care coordination and daily living assistance.
Health Minister Chris Picton said the funding aims to provide hope and practical support for families facing the disease. “Things that many people take for granted such as walking, speaking, swallowing, and even breathing, can become increasingly difficult for those with MND,” he said. “We want to provide more hope and support for South Australians impacted by this disease.”
FightMND co-founder and patron Neale Daniher said “South Australia is sending a powerful message: that people living with MND deserve hope, dignity, and every possible fighting chance,” he said.
Flinders University Associate Professor Mary-Louise Rogers was hopefuly for the game changing funding. “Flinders University is pursuing nation-leading research into Motor Neurone Disease biomarkers, and this investment will accelerate discoveries with the potential to improve the lives of more than 200 South Australians living with MND.
“Finding biomarkers that predict which treatments being tested in clinical trials for MND are working is game changing. Our biomarker research is driving global breakthroughs, and with the support of the South Australian Government and our long-term partner FightMND, we will have the equipment and means to help fast-track the development of effective treatments.
“This funding is supporting our world-class research in the Ian Davis Flinders University MND Biomarker Facility within the Health and Medical Research Building, strengthening South Australia’s position as a health and medical innovation hub.”
MNDSA CEO Dr Samantha Mead said the additional funding would allow the organisation to expand essential services and ensure older South Australians receive timely, meaningful support when they need it most.
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