The Federal Government has poured $7.4 million into funding three separate mental health research centres.

 

The three Centres of Research Excellence will conduct research into suicide prevention, substance abuse and better mental health planning and will be based at the University of New South Wales and the University of Queensland.

 

“I am delighted to announce the funding of these research centres, which are part of our Budget commitment of $26.2 million for strategic investment in mental health research priorities through the National Health and Medical Research Council,” Federal Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler said.

 

Professor Helen Christensen will lead the work at the University of New South Wales to determine the best way to deliver interventions to those at risk of suicide.

 

Also at the University of New South Wales, a Centre headed by Professor Maree Teesson will address prevention and treatment for people with both mental and substance abuse disorders.

 

And Professor Harvey Whiteford of the University of Queensland is the lead investigator looking at the best available scientific evidence to determine the right mix of mental health prevention and treatment policies and services for Australia.