Joint Chester and ACT Government release - Veterans and their families have their say on research and telehealth

Minister for Veterans' Affairs

VETERANS, their families and the broader ex-service community that supports them will be able to have their say on how they are supported as part of the feasibility study into a new research and telehealth hub.

Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester today said the potential for a national research centre and telehealth hub in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has moved to the next stage with Yellow Edge Pty Ltd, partnered with ORIMA Research, selected to undertake this work.

"The input from these groups will create a profile of ACT veterans and look at how their needs could potentially be supported through a digital health platform," Mr Chester said.

"It is also hoped that the results of this study will provide an understanding of possible approaches to support veteran mental health research and link support services for veterans and their families.

"Throughout the coronavirus pandemic we have seen the potential benefits telehealth has to offer for veterans and their families and this work will build on this and ensure any future hub is informed by best practice.

"The Government is committed to supporting veterans and their families across the ACT community and I look forward to the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) and the ACT Government working closely together to support this important research into ways to improve services for the growing veteran community."

A workshop was held recently with Yellow Edge and ORIMA, the ACT Government and the Commonwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) to identify key stakeholders who will provide valuable input into this work.

The outcomes of this research will complement and enhance the Australian Government's investment in a network of six Veteran Wellbeing Centres, providing localised health and wellbeing support to the veteran community.

ACT Minister for Seniors and Veterans, Gordon Ramsay, said he was pleased to see the next stage of this research begin.

"We are reaching out to the ACT veteran community and those who support veterans and their families and we hope to further build our knowledge and understanding," Minister Ramsay said.

"What we hear will assist us to explore the potential establishment of a research and tele-health hub in the ACT.I am looking forward to progressing this much needed facility right here in Canberra."

How can you help?

We are seeking the participation of ACT veterans and their families, and of telehealth and other services providers which currently support these veterans.

If you would like to be involved in the upcoming consultation you are invited to register your interest through contacting Yellow Edge Pty Ltd on

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