Advancing blast exposure research in partnership with Monash University

The health, safety and wellbeing of Australia’s current and former serving Defence Force personnel is my highest priority.

Today I’m pleased to announce a new partnership between the Australian Army and Monash University to improve our understanding of how repeated low-level blast exposure may affect the brain. 

The Albanese Government agreed in principle to Recommendation 61 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, recognising more research is needed to better understand the complex nature of brain injury and the evolving international research in this space. 

We’ve been investing in research, monitoring and policy development across Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, with the support of an External Advisory Panel, to ensure that risks associated with blast exposure are understood and managed in line with emerging scientific evidence and international best practice. 

While there is now a coordinated effort underway to decrease risk where possible for ADF personnel by improving prevention, monitoring and care for those exposed to blasts – we need to do more. 

Over the next four years, up to 400 Australian Defence Force personnel undertaking routine training will participate in one of Australia’s most significant studies into low-level blast exposure. 

The study focuses on an area where international scientific research and understanding is still developing – how repeated, low-level blast exposures may impact brain health across a military career. 

Unlike high-level blast events, which can result in immediate traumatic brain injury, the effects of repeated low-level blast exposure from explosions and weapons are less understood. 

Participants will wear sensors during training to measure the pressure of blast waves, while researchers monitor their health through blood analysis and cognitive assessments.

Monash University brain injury experts will work alongside Defence Science and Technology Group and the ADF’s Joint Health Command to help scale participation in the research and analysis of the data gathered in order to improve our understanding of how low-level blast exposure impacts the brain. 

The evidence gathered will help Defence strengthen training, improve risk-management and reduce unnecessary blast exposure wherever possible. 

This partnership builds on the first phase of Army’s Blast Overpressure Research study and will directly support Defence’s implementation of Recommendation 61, improving training, health care, and governance for our people.  

We’ll continue to work at pace to improve how our Defence personnel are protected from harm and better supported in service and in the years that follow. This milestone study is another important step in delivering that commitment.