The sharing of research knowledge among health professionals, researchers and administrators is aimed to help build the knowledge needed to further enhance the health and well-being of Australian veterans, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, said today. Speaking at the third annual symposium of the Sir Edward Dunlop Medical Research Foundation, Mr Billson said Australia's veteran and Defence force communities were facing new health challenges that called for innovative
health care approaches.

"The complexity of the health care needs of our veteran community is now becoming more apparent, as many veterans get older and require more complex forms of support, while a new generation of veterans returning home from service in East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq and other operations emerges with a different set of health concerns," he said. "I am pleased that the Sir Edward Dunlop Medical Research Foundation Symposium is playing a vital research role in the quest for answers to the health needs of our veterans."

The symposium brings together leading experts from the medical and health care community, academia, Australian Defence Force, Department of Veterans' Affairs and other agencies to share ideas and knowledge about a range of health issues affecting veterans, ADF personnel and their families, and the best way forward. The Sir Edward Dunlop Medical Research Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1985 to develop a body of knowledge and expertise for improving the health and well-being of veterans and defence personnel through medical research.

"The Foundation has provided more than $2 million to fund medical research focusing on cardiovascular disorders, wound-healing, diabetes, prostate disease, sleep disorders in veterans with post traumatic stress disorder and other conditions prevalent in the veteran community," Mr Billson said. "This work has led to new discoveries and improvements in the
identification, treatment and prevention of many illnesses affecting veterans and their families, with the benefits flowing on to the broader community.

"Through its research endeavours, the Foundation is ensuring the legacy and vision of Edward 'Weary' Dunlop for a better world will live on, and the Australian Government is pleased to support this worthy cause," he said.