The Scientists who thought it up were working on it in Australia. We did not go to them, they came to us. they submitted the grant request, and based on their proposal, got part of the funding from the US. The fact that there were several grantors indicates that they have been at it for some time (years), and have received more than one round of funding. It looks like they found something significant.
This is a good thing.
Monash has a track record on this line of research, also. For example:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817223544.htm
It was my impression that we came up with the idea, and then worked in conjunction with the Australians. If your take is more accurate then I stand corrected.