Research centre opens

The Departments of Defence and Veterans Affairs have provided $1.9 million to establish a new research centre focusing on the health of military personnel during and after their service.

The Centre for Military and Veteran’s Health (CMVH) was opened by Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Mal Brough and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Danna Vale in Brisbane on April 6.

Both ministers also welcomed the appointment of former Queensland Governor Major-General Peter Arnison as chairman of the board of management of the centre.

“The centre will lead the development of innovative solutions in the fi elds of health, well-being and human performance for military and veteran communities,” Mr Brough said.

“The centre unites academic, research and defence expertise across the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs, the University of Queensland, the University of Adelaide and the Menzies School of Health Research.

It will facilitate access to high quality professional development and clinical training opportunities for ADF health care providers, emphasising the broad range of needs of the ADF.”

Mrs Vale said the research undertaken by the centre would enhance understanding of the health impacts of service life and contribute to the improvement of both physical and mental health of military personnel.

“The centre will build on existing research to ensure members of the veteran community continue to receive the appropriate compensation and care for their dedicated service.

“It will develop a range of forward thinking initiatives through the creation of a strategic think tank to inform the military health debate and improve health care delivery through the application of technology in an integrated e-health environment,” Mrs Vale said.

The centre is located at the University of Queensland’s Mayne Medical School.

A satellite facility is located within the School of Medicine at the University of Adelaide.

The centre will be staffed by Defence and civilian health specialists.

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