Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA024
Friday, 17 April 2009
TOP SCIENTIST APPOINTED TO FAMILY WAR EFFECTS STUDY
An independent science adviser and leading research firms have been appointed to progress
the first ever Australia study into the long term effects of war service on families, the Minister for
Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, announced today.
Minister Griffin said leading researcher in inter-generational effects, Professor Bryan Rodgers of
the Australian Demographic and Social Research Institute at the Australian National University,
will be the Independent Scientific Adviser to the Vietnam Veterans’ Family Study.
“Professor Rodgers’ accomplishments and wealth of experience in the science and research
sectors and his focus on translating research to meaningful policy will be a great asset to the
study,” Mr Griffin said.
“We know that the Vietnam War had a profound effect on those involved and their loved ones,
but isolating those effects and linking them to war service forty years after the event is a
complex task requiring expertise in inter-generational research.
“Professor Rodgers will work with both a Scientific Advisory Committee and a Consultative
Forum set up to support the Family Study. He will also be a key link between my Department
and our contracted research bodies.
“Nine research bodies have been appointed to the research panel for the study, and we hope to
appoint more in the future. Collectively they bring unparalleled expertise in a variety of specialist
research areas to the complex research tasks that are part of the study.”
Congratulating Professor Rodgers, Mr Griffin said registration for the Family Study was still
open but more volunteers were needed to ensure its success.
“Recruitment for the Family Study is on track but many more participants are needed for the
comparison group: those who served in the Army from 1962 to 1975 but didn’t go to Vietnam,
and their families.” Mr Griffin said.
“The Vietnam Veterans’ Family Study aims to provide a better understanding of the impact of
war service on the health and wellbeing of veterans’ families. Your input will help improve
support and services for current and future veterans and their families.”
For more information on the Vietnam Veterans’ Family Study or to register visit
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 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
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