A re-elected Turnbull Government will harness world-leading experts and research to improve mental health treatment and reduce the burden of post-traumatic stress among our veterans.

Health Minister Sussan Ley and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Dan Tehan today announced details of the Turnbull Coalition’s $6 million commitment to support the establishment of the Centenary Institute.

The Centenary Institute will use cutting-edge research to improve the treatment of mental health conditions, including PTSD, and provide expert advice to practitioners nationwide who are supporting veterans with PTSD.

Ms Ley said the main aim of the Centenary Institute will be to improve the lives of veterans with PTSD as well as their families.

“As Health Minister and as a local MP, I have met many veterans who need help but also need a clearer path to receiving that assistance,” Ms Ley said.

“They have served our country and we need to ensure access to personalised support and care.

“Importantly, we want to make sure our veterans seeking support for mental health conditions are actually getting better.”

Mr Tehan said the Centenary Institute would use the best brains in Australia and from around the world to fight PTSD.

“Veterans and veteran groups tell me that post-traumatic stress is a major problem among veterans and the Turnbull Government is committed to addressing that problem,” Mr Tehan said.

“The Centenary Institute will improve our understanding of mental health challenges, including PTSD, and lead to better treatment for our veterans.

“Our investment in the Centenary Institute will complement the $46.4 million for veterans to access free mental health treatment announced in this year’s budget.”

Phoenix Australia director Professor David Forbes PhD said practitioners often struggled to treat PTSD because of its complexity.

“PTSD is the most common mental health problem amongst military veterans and between 30-50 per cent of veterans get limited benefit from existing treatments,” Profession Forbes said.

“The Centenary Institute, led by Phoenix Australia, will undertake pioneering research into new and innovative treatments for PTSD and other complex military mental health problems.

“This work will be used to provide greater support to advancing the treatment of PTSD among veterans and across the broader Australian community.”