The advocacy, support and research groups MS Australia and its subsidiary MS Research Australia are being merged to form a single organisation in the name of efficiency.

Following an external governance review, the board of MS Australia said it had decided to formally bring together MS Australia and MS Research Australia as a fully integrated organisation under one CEO and Board;

Associate Professor Des Graham, MS Australia’s President, said the changes were needed in a tough operating market for not-for profit groups, but he said the merger would not diminish support for MS researchers.

“We remain committed to increasing funding for MS research to record levels and providing certainty to our researchers around their research and career paths,” he said.

“The highly regarded governance and processes provided by the Research Management Council which overseas research strategy and funding allocations will continue to operate in the way it always has.”

Professor Graham said it was better for Australia’s MS patients and carers to have a single focused voice  rather than competing against each other for scarce resources.

“It is critical that every dollar we spend supports the current and future needs of Australians living with MS and research. We must move to a structure that allows us to operate in the most efficient way and delivers the care, research and advocacy that people living with MS deserve.”

The changes will also not affect the support services for people living with MS, he added

“MS Australia and the state and territory MS societies will continue to engage with people living with MS, their families and carers; the research community; and other partners and supporters as we always have – with a focus on delivering improved outcomes and ensuring a better quality of life for those living with MS,” Assoc Professor Graham said.

Under its new governance model, MS Australia will be responsible for national and international relations while the state and territory MS societies will be responsible for fundraising within the states and territories.