The Allan Labor Government is making sure Victorians are protected from airborne infections, pollution, bushfire smoke and a changing climate with support for a new research project.

Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll today announced Burnet Institute will deliver the Pathway to Clean Indoor Air in Victoria project.

The two-year project will engage a multi-disciplinary research consortium to evaluate indoor air quality in community spaces around the state, with a range of practical measures to improve indoor air quality set to be piloted in settings including schools, workplaces and public spaces.

Studies from the US Environmental Protection Agency have shown that poor indoor air quality is linked to lower productivity and has significant detrimental impacts on health and wellbeing, with an increase in respiratory viruses including influenza, measles, COVID-19 and whooping cough also driving the need for improved indoor air quality.

This project will help establish feasible indoor air quality performance standards and will inform government policy and public health guidance, with long-term solutions including integrating indoor air quality standards into building codes and promoting healthier indoor environments. The research project is set to be completed in 2026.

Burnet Institute is also a Foundation Partner of the world-leading Australian Institute for Infectious Disease, which is made possible by the Labor Government’s $400 million investment.

The Government’s investment of more than $1 billion in health and medical research over the last decade continues to drive growth, create jobs and support incredible breakthroughs in treatment and care.

Quote attributable to Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll

“Our talented medical researchers across the state are delivering critical studies with life-saving results – cementing Victoria’s reputation as a world leader in cutting-edge health and medical research.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas

“We’re backing Burnet Institute to deliver this critical research so Victorians can breathe easier in the classroom, in the office and at home.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas

“We’re proud to invest in our local research institutions so they can continue to boost local jobs, create life-saving research and back our economy for years to come.”

Quote attributable to Burnet Institute Director and CEO Professor Brendan Crabb AC

“This investment is cutting edge on a global scale, generating evidence to help usher in the era of healthier indoor air spaces, and all that means for our safety, education and productivity.”