Tehan release – Launching $6 million research centre to support veterans with PTSD

15 Sep 2017

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said a new Government-funded research centre into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder would improve the lives of veterans and their families.

Dan Tehan

Mr Tehan today launched the $6 million Centenary of Anzac Centre at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne to be operated by Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health.

Mr Tehan said the new centre delivered a 2016 election commitment and represented one of the most significant investments into the research of military-related PTSD in Australia.

“More than 30,000 Australian veterans have an accepted service-related disability for PTSD,” Mr Tehan said.
“The Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs spend more than $244 million a year providing mental health support and treatment to current and former ADF members. In last year’s budget, the Government made the treatment of PTSD free for anyone who has served one day in the full-time ADF and this has led to encouraging results.
“More veterans are seeking help for their PTSD – and getting that help. The Government’s investment in the Centenary of Anzac Centre will lead to improved treatment of mental health conditions, including PTSD.

“The Anzac Centre will undertake pioneering research and provide expert advice to practitioners nationwide who are supporting veterans with PTSD.”

Director of Phoenix Australia Professor David Forbes said: “The Centenary of Anzac Centre provides a unique opportunity to establish a strong national collaboration of researchers, clinicians, ex-service organisations and all agencies caring for veterans, to work together to find new solutions and improve care.”

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17 September 2017

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 4546). VVCS is a service founded by Vietnam veterans.

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