Indigenous researchers hope to improve the mental health of their people and promote positive parenting and resilience in young Aboriginal parents, thanks to funding of $3.8 million from the Gillard Labor Government.

Announcing funding for 10 Indigenous research teams under the Discovery Indigenous scheme, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said the Government had a positive vision for the future, one with a focus on improving the lives of Indigenous Australians.

“These 10 important new projects will bring about tangible outcomes that will affect the lives of Indigenous Australians,” Senator Carr said.

“For example, researchers from the University of Western Australia will use a $735,000 grant to study peri-natal mental health and positive parenting, and help improve mental health, parenting and resilience in young Aboriginal parents.”

Senator Carr acknowledged the valuable contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to Australia’s research effort.

“Through the Discovery Indigenous scheme we continue to build and promote the development of our Indigenous researchers, who are well placed to come up with solutions to issues that directly affect the Indigenous community and all Australians.”

The Australian Research Council Discovery Indigenous scheme provides support for Indigenous researchers and postgraduate research students to undertake research. projects that produce new knowledge for Australia.

To view the summaries of all funding outcomes and information on the funding schemes, visit www.arc.gov.au/media/major_announce.htm.

For more information on the ARC and the Innovation, Industry, Science and Research portfolio, including the research grants available, visit www.arc.gov.au and www.innovation.gov.au.

A printable version of the media release [PDF 55 KB] is available.