Research and Studies
Health research and social research publications
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs carries out a wide range of research to support the health and wellbeing needs of veterans and families of veterans. This page brings together a range of DVA commissioned research, evaluations and literature reviews.
Readers should note that some older publications may reflect the evidence base and policy context at the time they were produced and may not fully align with current research, practice, or priorities.
A list of current projects can be seen at Current Research Projects.
Independent study into suicide in the ex-service community (2009)
2009Independent study by Professor David Dunt - to examine the broad issue of suicide in the ex-service community, including a number of specific cases of suicide over the past three years.
Levels of 2, 3, 7, 8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in Australian Vietnam Veterans
2008The National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology produced this report on Levels of 2, 3, 7, 8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in Australian Vietnam Veterans compared to the Australian population. Agent Orange and other herbicide mixtures sprayed in Vietnam contained TCDD as a specific contaminant. The report contains a review of published literature, looking at whether high exposure to TCDD may be associated with diabetes, and an analysis of measured concentrations of TCDD in a sample of 102 consenting Australian Vietnam veterans, compared to the Australian general population of the same age range.
The Intergenerational Health Effects of Service in Military
2007The Centre for Military and Veterans' Health developed a research protocol in response to the Feasibility Study into a Health Study of the Sons and Daughters of Vietnam Veterans (Department of Veterans' Affairs, 2006). This work builds on the work of the Deployment Health Surveillance Program, which conducted cross-sectional studies of serving and ex-serving personnel who have deployed on specific operations.
Review of Commonwealth agencies’ relationship with the late Signaller Geffrey Gregg
2007The Government’s response (PDF) to a review of the circumstances surrounding the death of Signaller Geffrey Gregg was published on 30 July 2008. The response outlined 15 outcomes to address systemic problems with transition out of the services.
British Nuclear Testing in Australia Studies
2006The study to investigate the health effects of participation in the British nuclear tests in Australia is reported in two volumes.
Oberon Class Submarine Occupational Hygiene Project
2006The final report, Oberon Class Submarine Occupational Hygiene Project, was submitted by the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health to the Australian Government Department of Defence on 28 February 2006. The study retrospectively developed an exposure profile for the submariners.
Australian Veterans and War Widows – Your lives, your needs
2006A summary of some of the key findings from the 2006 Survey of Veterans, War Widows and their Carers.
Research into the Toxicological Effects of Chemicals used in the F-111 Deseal/Reseal Programs
2005The final report, Research into the Toxicological Effects of Chemicals used in the F-111 Deseal/Reseal (DSRS) Programs, was completed in 2005.
Health Study 2005: Australian Veterans of the Korean War
2005Australian Veterans of the Korean War is the third and final study in a series of studies of the health of Australian Korean War veterans.
Mortality and Cancer Incidence in Australian Vietnam Veterans Studies (2005)
2005The reports were produced by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs with the assistance of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.