Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA068
Friday, 7 August 2009
NEW PREMISES FOR WORLD-CLASS TRAUMA RESEARCH CENTRE
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, today highlighted the Australian Government’s
commitment to the treatment of posttraumatic mental health when he opened a world-class centre for
trauma-related research in East Melbourne.
“Almost one-third (50,000) of Australia’s disabled veterans suffer a mental health disability, so the
treatment of illnesses such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related conditions is very close
to the hearts of those in the ex-service community,” Mr Griffin said.
“The Australian Government has provided base funding of $5.5 million to the Australian Centre for
Posttraumatic Mental Health (ACPMH) –– an important contributor to the development of ADF and
veteran-specific mental health initiatives–– and I am pleased to see the centre move into new, larger
premises which will assist it to continue its vital work.”
Mr Griffin said the $5.5 million over five years would assist ACPMH undertake research, develop policy
and provide education to support organisations and health professionals who work with people affected
by traumatic events.
“This amount is in addition to $92 million of extra funding announced in the 2009-10 budget to boost
mental health services for current and ex-service personnel, by implementing all of Professor David
Dunt’s recommendations arising from his Independent Study into Suicide in the Ex-service Community
and Review of Mental Health Care in the Australian Defence Force and Transition through Discharge,”
Mr Griffin said.
“The Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ $9.5 million share of this allocation is being used to strengthen
mental health programs and simplify administrative procedures for those transitioning out of the ADF or
applying for compensation. Veterans with complex needs will be supported by more experienced case
managers, while access to mental health clinical expertise is being increased.”
Mr Griffin said the Department of Veterans’ Affairs had also worked closely with ACPMH in developing
the recently released Australian Guidelines for the Treatment of Adults with Acute Stress Disorder and
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, which provides GPs and mental health practitioners with a clinical
algorithm to guide them in decision making.
“The Guidelines are integral in improving veterans’ access to mental health services, and ensuring
practitioners better understand the mental health issues experienced by veterans and serving defence
personnel so they can receive best practice treatment and care,” he said.
Further details about mental health services through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs is available on
Media inquiries (Alan Griffin): Belinda Cole 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email subscribe at minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
NEWS 
