CAMRA, the patient advocacy group, is very happy with the positive vote for Senator Patterson’s Stem Cell Bill in the conscience vote 82:62 in favour.

“It is very satisfying to see that the majority of MPs understood the importance of the potential benefits of stem cell research. For millions of Australians affected by diseases and conditions, this is a momentous day and now means our scientists can compete at a truly global level.

“We wish to thank all the MPs who voted for Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) stem cell research and especially the efforts of Dr Mal Washer in the Reps. His support and willingness to listen to the community and advocate on behalf of patients on this incredibly important issue has been inspiring and is deeply appreciated by us all,” Joanna Knott, CAMRA convenor said.

“We would also like to thank members of the Lockhart Review for their outstanding report which has at last been vindicated through this vote.

“In the Senate, our thanks especially go to Senators Kay Patterson, Natasha Stott-Despoja and Ruth Webber for initiating the Bill.’’

CAMRA believes it is a tribute to our democratic process that the outcome was positive, despite the opposition of the leaders of the two major parties; and an attempt at an amendment.