FED:No funds for foetal alcohol research

AAP General News (Australia)
04-14-2011
FED:No funds for foetal alcohol research

CANBERRA, April 14 AAP - The future of research into foetal alcohol syndrome in the
isolated West Australian community of Fitzroy Valley is at risk.

Just nine months ago the federal government committed $1 million to research the impact
of the syndrome which often leaves newborn children with severe mental handicaps.

Now, as researchers move into the second phase of the study, there is no money.

"Funding for the next stage of the Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Research project is yet
to be secured but I am hopeful that this will be achieved through negotiation with the
Australian and Western Australian governments," co-ordinator general for remote indigenous
services Brian Gleason said in a report.

When federal Indigenous Health Minister Warren Snowdon announced the initial funding
in July 2010, he described it as part of government efforts to reduce violence in indigenous
communities.

"A key aim of this agenda is to tackle alcohol abuse - the primary risk factor in indigenous
family violence - by working with communities to stem the supply of alcohol where it leads
to high levels of alcohol abuse," Mr Snowdon said at the time.

The lack of funding for the research comes at the same time as doctors and researchers
protest reports the May 10 budget will cut medical research funding by $400 million over
the coming three years.

Comment was sought from Mr Snowdon and Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin.

AAP pv/sb/dep

KEYWORD: FOETAL

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