The Albanese Government is investing $6.7 million in research to help create healthier and safer First Nations families and communities.
Administered under the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Targeted Call for Research (TCR): Addressing Violence for Safer Families and Communities grant opportunity, two multidisciplinary research teams will aim to embed culturally safe, trauma informed and community driven approaches to improve the safety of communities.
The grants were chosen through a rigorous, independent peer‑review process involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health experts, research specialists and community representatives.
Domestic and family violence is an issue across all areas of society however it disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
A First Nations led project delivered by Professor Marcia Langton AO from the University of Melbourne aims to improve understanding of the experiences of families affected by family violence and child removals.
This research will also develop an accessible map of evidence to prevent and reduce impacts of family violence, codesign a toolkit for community led programs and implement a novel tool to increase identification and support for pregnant women experiencing family violence.
Professor Faye McMillan AM from Charles Sturt University will lead research that aims to improve cultural safety of workplaces through governance, manager training and peer support.
Delivered in partnership with health services across regional New South Wales, this project supports national goals to address violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare workers.
A TCR is a one-time request for grant applications to address a specific health issue where there is a significant research knowledge gap or unmet need.
Full details of the researchers and projects funded are available to download on NHMRC’s outcomes of funding rounds page.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“Violence has devastating impacting on families and communities, and we know that First Nation people experience this violence at disproportionately higher rates.
“We are investing in research that that will help families and communities to be safe and well.
“This research will ultimately lead to safer and healthier futures for all Australians.”
Quotes attributable to NHMRC CEO Professor Steve Wesselingh:
“NHMRC’s commitment to expanding research capacity and producing data that is co-designed will empower communities, foster resilience and support national adoption of effective models of care, eventually leading to safer and healthier futures for all Australians.
“Through focusing on strengths based community led partnerships and ensuring our research is culturally responsive, we are laying the foundation for health and medical research that truly meets the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“Well done to the researchers and their teams receiving funding under this announcement.”