The federal government has announced a further $5.3 million for a study into the health of Australian women. The Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, which began in 1996, has conducted follow-up health surveys with more than 40,000 Australian women. Health Minister Nicola Roxon says a younger group of women now will be able to join the project.

"The study will provide valuable information on women's health across a broader range of age groups," she said in a statement, adding that women presently involved were aged 18-23, 45-50, and 70-75 when the study began. The commitment coincides with the release of the government's National Women's Health Policy 2010, which sets up a long-term strategy. Preventing chronic disease, maintaining and developing health services and prevention programs are central to the policy.