The Coalition Government will invest more than $3 million in Federation University to undertake research to improve outcomes for regional Australians with chronic health conditions.
Minister for Regional Education, Bridget McKenzie said a total of more than $19 million is being invested in a range of projects to boost the research capabilities of Australia's regional universities and, with it, create strong and thriving local economies.
Minister McKenzie said the Federation University 'Transforming chronic health outcomes through digital innovation' project is one of five projects to be funded under the Coalition Government's Regional Research Collaboration program.
"Australia produces world-class research and we want our regions to contribute to that proud tradition as well as reap the benefits from it, creating more resilient regional communities and economies," Minister McKenzie said.
"This project uses data and innovation to solve real-world problems by helping to improve early diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases, easing the load on regional health practitioners and improving health outcomes for country Australians.
"It will also support the pipeline of talent into regional clinician roles and commercialise products at scale across Australia and around the world."
The Coalition Government continues to build on its more than $120 billion investment in regional Australia - the engine-room of our nation's economy - to ensure a sustainable, prosperous and secure future for people living in the regions.
"By contrast, Labor has no plan or vision for regional centres like Ballarat. Labor Leader Anthony Albanese can barely bring himself to mention the word 'region'," Minister McKenzie said.
"A strong Coalition Government can deliver more projects that grow our regional communities, while Labor continues to neglect and ignore regional Australians."
Liberal candidate for Ballarat, Ben Green welcomed the funding and said investing in research, technology and innovation are key to securing our economy and a strong future for Ballarat.
"Federation University, in partnership with the Coalition Government, will demonstrate with this project that they are putting the needs of Australians and their health front and centre," said Mr Green.
Federation University Vice Chancellor, Duncan Bentley welcomed the funding and said the Coalition Government's support for this exciting new project will improve lives by using digital innovation to transform chronic health outcomes.
"This project ticks so many boxes - it helps chronic disease sufferers, it improves productivity for clinicians, it supports collaboration between private and public partners, it facilitates student placements and it backs commercialisation," Professor Bentley said.
"This funding is recognition of Federation as a leader in harnessing the power of big data and technological innovation to solve real-world problems and make a difference in peoples' lives."
Federation University is receiving more than $3.6 million from the Coalition Government for the project. The university will partner with technology partners IBM and WellAware; and local clinical partners Silver Chain, East Grampians Health Service, Ballarat Community Health Service and Latrobe Community Health Service.
The Regional Research Collaboration program was announced as part of the Job-ready Graduates program and addresses a key recommendation from the Napthine Review to grow the tertiary education sector in regional Australia.
Only the Coalition will continue to deliver a better future for Victoria, and this is part of our plan to build a strong economy and a stronger future.
