Spinal Cord Injury and Conditions Fund

In 2003, the former Premier of NSW, The Hon Bob Carr, announced the State Government would spend $35.9 million over the next four years (ie. 2003-2007) on research and extra services for people with physical disabilities. This includes:

• $10.9 million over four years to establish the Spinal Cord Injury and Conditions Fund to promote biomedical research into spinal injury, disorders and neurological conditions (administered by the Office for Science and Medical Research)
• $23 million over four years for an extra 100 attendant care places within a year to help people with physical disability do everyday tasks such as get out of bed, shower and get dressed (administered by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care)
• $2 million for a two year pilot program to improve coordination of services for people who have suffered catastrophic injuries that would concentrate on the move from rehabilitation centres back into the community (administered by the Motor Accidents Authority)

In 2007, a further $11 million was committed over the four year period from 2007-2011, bringing the NSW Government's total commitment to research in spinal cord injury and neurological conditions to $22 million.

The Spinal Cord Injury and Conditions Fund is made up of the following components:

• Research Grants Program
• Spinal Exchange Program