A new chapter in Australia’s fight against MND
FightMND welcomes the Federal Government commitment of $40.1 million over four years to support the establishment of the Neale Daniher National MND Clinical Network. This investment supports the creation of a coordinated national approach to MND research, ensuring every Australian, regardless of where they live, has equal access to the emerging therapies of tomorrow.
This significant national investment marks a major milestone in the journey that began with our founders, Pat Cunningham, Dr Ian Davis and Neale Daniher, and has grown into a movement united by determination, hope and a shared belief that together we can change the future of MND.
The Network honours Neale’s extraordinary legacy and strengthens Australia’s capacity to deliver world‑class care today while accelerating the breakthroughs of tomorrow.
A commitment to strengthen Australia’s response to MND
This four-year commitment will establish a nationally coordinated system to transform how MND is diagnosed, researched and treated in Australia. This funding is structured across four complementary pillars designed to strengthen Australia’s clinical trials capability, data and diagnostics, workforce and models of care.
What the network will deliver
The Neale Daniher National MND Clinical Network represents a major shift in how Australia tackles MND. Instead of operating in isolated pockets, clinicians, researchers, hospitals and health services will be brought together into a coordinated national effort.
The Network will:
- Establish Australia as a core destination for MND clinical trials globally, expanding access to emerging therapies, attracting international trials and improving participation for people in regional, rural and remote communities.
- Lead MND diagnostic and therapy development through data, strengthening national data capability and addressing critical gaps in understanding disease progression and risk.
- Develop the world’s best clinicians and researchers, investing in fellowships and training to build a strong, sustainable specialist workforce with specialised MND clinical research expertise.
- Advance research into MND clinical care, supporting projects that improve care pathways and models of care across Australia.
For the first time, this coordinated approach will streamline how treatments are developed, tested and delivered, ensuring every Australian living with MND has access to the highest standard of care and the latest emerging therapies, regardless of where they live.
Positioning Australia as a global leader
This milestone positions Australia to lead, not just contribute to, the global effort against MND. With national coordination, world‑class infrastructure and the support of the Federal Government, Australia is now better placed than ever to attract international research partnerships, biotechnology investment and the most promising new therapies for Australians.
One piece of the puzzle in a bigger fight
The Federal Government’s four‑year commitment to establish the Neale Daniher National MND Clinical Network is a critical step forward. But it is only one piece of the puzzle in the broader fight against MND. This disease is complex, relentless and multifaceted. There is no single solution and no single treatment will work for everyone.
The progress that brought us to this moment has been powered by the Australian community. For years, families, donors, volunteers and supporters have stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder with FightMND. Their support has helped raise awareness, fund world‑class research and build the clinical capability shaping the case for this national Network. Their dedication has driven momentum, sharpened Australia’s research focus and ensured that MND remains impossible to ignore.
This Network is an important step forward. It shows what we can achieve when people work together to support MND research. Even with this progress, the challenge ahead is still big. Motor neurone disease moves faster than the treatments we currently have. Long term support is important to turn scientific ideas into real improvements for people living with the disease.
FightMND will keep working to invest in vital MND research and care programs supporting Australians affected by MND.
Government support plays an important role and the passion and generosity of the FightMND Army adds incredible strength to the fight against the Beast. Together, we can keep driving progress and provide hope for everyone affected by MND.
Quotes
The Hon Mark Butler, Minister for Health
Neale Daniher has led a tireless fight for the MND community, accelerating research and giving hope to thousands of Australians. MND is one of the most harrowing conditions we face. It is progressive, fatal, and there is no known cure . We want to accelerate the development and delivery of effective treatments – and ultimately a cure – for motor neurone disease. With the establishment of the Neale Daniher MND Clinical Network we hope to improve outcomes for those living with this devastating condition.
Neale Daniher, Co-founder and Patron, FightMND
When I was named Australian of the Year in 2025, I asked the community to imagine. Imagine unlocking the mysteries of the neurological frontier right here in Australia. This funding commitment from the Albanese Government is a powerful step forward in this fight against the Beast.
The science is advancing; the momentum is building and the establishment of the Neale Daniher National MND Clinical Network strengthens the foundations needed to drive real progress. This investment isn’t for my benefit. It’s about laying the foundations, so others don’t have to go through what I have. I’m deeply grateful for this support. It is going to help turn hope into action for future generations.
Dr Bec Sheean, Director, Programs and Cure Research
Neale’s tireless commitment and work has completely changed the landscape of MND research in Australia, particularly when it comes to clinical trials and research. This announcement of support from the Federal Government will turbo charge these efforts and reinforce Australia’s position as a leader in the fight against MND.
Investment in the Neale Daniher National MND Clinical Network will power the community of passionate and committed MND research clinicians to better understand Australians living MND both as a population but also as individuals, recognising gaps in access to care and research and fast-tracking discoveries as we better understand the disease and how to treat it. The ultimate goal is that the Neale Daniher National MND Clinical Network will allow all Australians who are diagnosed with MND to have access to specialised MND care, assessment and targeted treatments. The right drug for the right patient at the right time.
The MND research community is incredibly grateful for this significant support for this incredibly important program of work.
Bec Daniher, Executive Director, Strategic Alliances
Dad has always believed that when people join forces, they can create something far greater than anything they could do alone. This announcement brings that belief to life. The Federal Government’s four-year commitment is an important piece of the puzzle in the fight against MND, strengthening national coordination across clinical trials, research and care.
The progress that led to this moment has been driven by the unwavering support of the FightMND Army and the wider Australian community. MND is complex, and there is no single solution, so we must keep pushing on every front—funding innovative research, accelerating clinical trials and giving scientists the tools they need to take on the Beast.
On behalf of our family and the FightMND community, thank you to the Federal Government for this decisive commitment. It honours Dad’s legacy through action, hope and momentum toward a future free of MND.