- Published:
- Sunday 17 May 2026 at 5:00 am
Only Labor is delivering world-class care for more families, close to home.
In an Australian-first, the Allan Labor Government is establishing a dedicated clinical trial network for children.
A $2 million investment will establish the Victorian Paediatric Clinical Trial Network.
It will connect paediatric clinical trial sites and specialist staff across the state, ensuring better-coordinated research and improved access to new treatments for children.
The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) will lead the establishment of the network.
Initially, the MCRI will partner with Monash Children’s Clinical Trial Centre and Barwon Health.
The network’s first focus will be on vaccine trials, before expanding to research including for rare genetic childhood neurological diseases and advanced therapies.
This project is part of Labor’s Economic Growth Statement, where medical research is a priority sector.
It will boost Victoria as a leading destination for investment in paediatric treatments and models of care.
Labor has invested more than $1 billion in health and medical research, driving economic growth and supporting breakthroughs in treatment and care for Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“We’re making the latest clinical trials accessible to more Victorian children, because families deserve the best care.”
“Victoria is home to world-leading researchers, and we’re backing them to connect and expand their work.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll
"Labor is investing in clinical trials so children can get lifesaving treatment sooner.”
“Will the Liberals back this lifesaving care, or will they cut it?"
Quote attributable to Medical Director, Melbourne Children's Trials Centre, and Head of Anaesthesia Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Professor Andrew Davidson
"Our aims are to bring more cutting-edge therapies to the children of Victoria and ensure all Victorian children can access these therapies closer to home.”