$100 MILLION BOOST TO TACKLE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT CHALLENGES
Four new world-class research centres are being established to help prevent mental illness in young Australians, transform our pork industry, improve our environment and treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Announcing funding of $100 million for four Cooperative Research Centres, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said CRCs solve Australia’s big problems by partnering talented researchers with industry and community groups who can turn the research into reality.
“The tragedy of mental illness in young people harms and destroys lives. It costs Australia billions of dollars each year through lost productivity, welfare payments, and health and carer costs. And the effects go well beyond the economic value. On average, every suicide affects the lives of 28 family members, friends and community members,” Senator Carr said.
“The $27 million CRC for Young People, Technology and Wellbeing will help put a stop to this by studying how technology can help prevent and treat mental illness in our youth.
“The $20 million CRC for High Integrity Australian Pork will support our pork producers and regional Australia to maintain local production of high quality food at affordable prices, while improving pig welfare.
“The $29 million CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment will develop solutions to overcome and prevent contamination of soil, water and air to improve our environment.
“Together, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Schizophrenia affect millions of Australians, and early diagnosis can help sufferers to live a more fulfilling life. The $23 million CRC for Mental Health will develop better diagnostic tools for these disorders and contribute to better treatment.
“I congratulate the successful groups and am delighted to see such dynamic individuals and organisations come together to provide solutions to some of our biggest challenges.”