The Coalition Government is contributing more than $360,000 to research traditional Australian medicinal plants.

The funding was announced today by Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan.

“A total of $363,000 is being invested from the Cooperative Research Centre for the Development of Northern Australia (CRCNA) to explore developing an agribusiness model for ‘bush medicine’,” Minister Canavan said.

“The project involves a partnership between the Menzies School of Health Research, Traditional Homeland Enterprises, Integria Healthcare and the University of Queensland. The project partners are committing a further $188,000 in cash and $461,000 in-kind contributions towards the project, over the next 18 months.

“The long-term goal is to see a local industry developed with opportunities in Indigenous workforce development, sustainable regional development in Northern Australia, and potential export of uniquely Australian, value-added products.”

Minister Canavan said he welcomed the fact the project would bring together extensive research and industry experience to focus on traditional Australian medicinal plants as an important biological, cultural and economic resource.

“Project participants have emphasised the fact this project will provide opportunities for Aboriginal people to share their knowledge of medicinal plants with experts skilled in laboratory testing and healthcare product development. This means tapping into knowledge of bush medicine developed over thousands of years and using modern testing techniques.

“I am also excited that the project offers employment and training for Indigenous people, and the possibility of developing a sustainable agribusiness for future employment and training in Indigenous communities.”