
Queensland updates 80-year-old law governing Medical Research Institute
Key reforms include expanding eligibility for commercial incentive payments.
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research Act 1945 has been repealed and replaced under the Queensland Institute of Medical Research Bill 2025 — the first update to the legislation in 80 years.
The new Act modernises the governance framework of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) to reflect current operational and research standards.
Key reforms include expanding eligibility for commercial incentive payments to all significant contributors to research projects.
The legislation also requires the QIMR Council to notify the Health Minister of any serious concerns about financial viability, management, or administration.
The updated framework allows the Council and Director to delegate powers to appropriately qualified staff, enables the Minister to appoint or remove Council members, and permits the appointment of an Acting Director for up to six months, extendable to 12 months with Ministerial approval.