The Morrison Government has announced it is investing $13 million to establish a world-leading National Eating Disorder Centre, where Australia’s best researchers will collaborate to transform how eating disorders are diagnosed and treated.
The University of Sydney’s InsideOut Institute, Orygen, Black Dog Institute, and seven other universities and institutes will lead the new research centre, which will support research into:
- transforming eating disorder clinical practice;
- informing future policy;
- developing the capacity and capability of the research workforce;
- supporting the delivery of evidence-based treatment options, and
- coordinating research activities across the country.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt, says eating disorders are complex and affect people of all ages across the country.
“At any one time, there are more than a million Australians with an eating disorder, and we want to ensure they can get easy access to the best possible treatment,” says Minister Hunt.
“There is evidence that early intervention into eating disorders can reduce the duration of the illness and improve outcomes for patients. It is possible for many people to make a full recovery if they get the right treatment at the right time.
“Eating disorders are a priority for the Morrison Government and the new research centre will find innovative ways to care for patients, improve prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery rates.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman, says the centre is the result of Australia’s first Australian Eating Disorders Research and Translation Strategy 2021-31.
“Globally, eating disorders have tragically high mortality rates,” says Assistant Minister Coleman.
“By working with researchers, clinicians, consumers and carers – locally and internationally – the new research centre will help to translate research into practice, build the capacity and capability of the research workforce, and ultimately improve the quality of life for all Australians with eating disorders, their families, supporters and carers.”
Funding for a National Eating Disorder Research Centre is reportedly part of $26.9 million provided for eating disorder research and support as part of the Morrison Government’s 2021-22 Budget.
If you or anyone you know is concerned about eating disorder or body image issues, you can contact the Butterfly Foundation’s national eating disorders helpline, ED Hope, on 1800 33 4673 or through butterfly.org.au.
Anyone experiencing distress can also seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (headtohealth.gov.au).
