Speaking from the BIO 2005 conference in Philadelphia, Premier Steve Bracks said the TAC would provide $60 million while the Government would contribute $3 million. Mr Bracks said the Victorian Neurotrauma Initiative would assist a significant number of young people, with the average age of those suffering spinal cord injury in Victoria just 19 years. "An estimated $500 million in health care and related expenses is spent each year to support the 6000 Victorian paraplegics and quadriplegics who suffer spinal and head injuries," he said.