The Federal Government has announced it will allocate $4 million in research funding to 13 new projects that are investigating methods to prevent the harm caused by obesity, tobacco and harmful use of alcohol.

 

“These projects stood out because the results from these key areas of research will help inform everyone looking to prevent chronic disease and promote good health,” Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said.

 

“For example, funding will support work led by Professor Andrew Mitchell at the University of Melbourne that will investigate the ways in which international trade and investment agreements can affect governments’ capacity to support chronic disease prevention.
 
“The research outcomes from all of the successful projects will strengthen evidence-informed decision making for our public health policies into the future—a future where we hope Australia is one of the healthiest countries in the world.”

 

Minister for Mental Health and Aging Mark Butler singled out binge drinking in young age groups as a particular concern for the Government.

 

“Our funding will also support research work led by Professor Steve Allsop at Curtin University that will enhance and build on the information we currently have on young people,” Mr Butler said.
 
“Professor Allsop’s research will particularly focus on young at-risk drinkers across Australia, including in rural settings. The Australian community is concerned about risky drinking among young people. This research will help us understand the contexts in which this drinking occurs, the factors contributing to risk and how we can better target prevention and treatment efforts.
 
The grants program was developed by the Australian Preventive Health Agency (ANPHA), with advice from the National Health and Medical Research Council and the ANPHA Research Committee. Projects are expected to commence from March 2012 and will have a duration of up to three years.