The Howard Government will undertake world-first research into the impact of war service on the health and welfare of the children of Vietnam veterans. Announcing a $13.5 million research program, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, said the Vietnam Veteran Family Study provides an innovative, integrated and holistic approach to the health of veterans’ families.

“Australia is at the forefront of veteran health and compensation, but we have limited knowledge about the intergenerational effects of war service. A study of this kind has never been done and Australia will lead the rest of the world in this field,” Mr Billson said. “The Vietnam Veteran Family Study will study the health and welfare of around 200,000 parents and children participants to identify protective factors and those characteristics which help build resilience in families of veterans.

“This wide ranging study will also provide us with an insight into the health of children of Vietnam veterans, informing the delivery of services that will assist the families of future service personnel. The Vietnam Veteran Family Study will be undertaken in a tiered approach, involving qualitative and quantitative research over an eight year period, with some initial results available as early as 2009.” Mr Billson said that yet again Vietnam veterans were the catalyst for innovation in veteran health.

“The now well-established legacy of Vietnam veterans is continuing through this extensive study program which will further enhance our world-class repatriation system,” Mr Billson said. “Today the Australian Defence Force has an active Defence Community Organisation which provides a range of support programs for families, before, during and after deployment. To support this work, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will also commence a study to monitor the health of families of more recently deployed veterans.

“The research program will provide useful information to inform government of the effectiveness of current programs and areas for further policy development.” The Australian Government currently provides around $10 million a year for a range of services to children of Vietnam veterans, including mental health support through VVCS, medical support through the Vietnam Veterans Children’s Support Program and educational support through the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme and the Long Tan Bursary.