Budget boost: Health tech windfall in federal budget but critics say immediate patient needs are left begging

Base Pairing of DNA

Treasurer Scott Morrison has delivered a federal budget described as good for science, with investments in genomics, medical research, digital health and critical IT infrastructure placing technology at the centre of Australia’s economic ambitions.

Biomedtech innovators were also exempted from changes to the R&D tax incentive, in news that came as a relief to industry groups.

But critics are concerned that funds have been put towards generating the advances of the future and supercharging industry rather than addressing immediate healthcare needs.

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