ATODA eBulletin - May 2014

In the May 2014 Edition

ATODA News / ATOD Workers Group / Liquor Act Review / ACT Policy / National Projects / National Policy / Sector Development / Newsletters / Resources / Training / Conferences / Grants / Allied Sectors /Consumer Participation / Employment / Media

News from ATODA

ACT ATOD Qualification Strategy (QS)
The QS aims to ensure the development and maintenance of a competent and professional ACT alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) workforce. It also aims to ensure that all workers have a shared minimum knowledge and skill base. The first unit of the Core Competencies: CHCAOD402B: Work effectively in the AOD sector was held 31 March - 2 April 2014.

Upcoming training for registered participants:
The second unit: CHCAOD406E: Work with clients who are intoxicated will be held on 10-12 June 2014 (for registered participants only).

For further information: Contact Julie Robert on julie@atoda.org.au, call (02) 6255 4070, or visit the ATODA website

Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy Assistance for Workers
Access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is available to smokers who are ATOD, youth or mental health workers in the non-government, not for profit sector of the ACT and/or members of ATODA to help staff address their tobacco consumption and support quit attempts at no cost to the individual employee.
For more information: See ATODA's website, call (02) 6255 4070 or email info@atoda.org.au.

The ACT eASSIST is now available online
The ACT electronic Alcohol, Smoking & Substance Involvement Screening Test (ACT eASSIST) provides a questionnaire which screens for all levels of problem or risky substance use. The ACT eASSIST provides an evidence based structured and consistent way for health, community and other workers to:

Identify if a client / consumer is experiencing alcohol, tobacco or other drug problems
Determine the level of risk of this use to help decide the next steps to take
Provide a structured 10-step brief intervention and accurate alcohol, tobacco and other drug information (including through prompts)
Produce a feedback report card for clients / consumers regarding the risks associated with their alcohol, tobacco or other drug use
Identify an appropriate ACT referral point for specialist alcohol, tobacco or other drug treatment and support

The ACT eASSIST can now be downloaded or accessed online at www.act-eassist.org.au
For more information: See the flyer, or contact ATODA by email info@atoda.org.au, or call (02) 6255 4070

Become an Under 10% Project Partner
The Under 10% Project aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the Canberra community by strengthening tobacco management practices in health and community sector workplaces that support disadvantaged people. To help Project Partners achieve their goals, ATODA offers support for:

Planning and evaluation
Policy development
Subsidised Nicotine Replacement Therapy for workers
Signage and promotion material
Training and tools

Current Project Partners come from a range of sectors including mental health, community, housing and homelessness, family, primary health care, youth and disability sectors.

For more information or to get involved: Visit www.under10percent.org.au or email tobacco@atoda.org.au

Save the Date and Get Involved: ACT Drug Action Week
ACT Drug Action Week will be held on 21 - 27 June 2014. An event is being coordinated by ATODA for Friday 20 June 2014 (more information will be available shortly).
Services wishing to coordinate Drug Action Week activities can contact ATODA on (02) 6255 4070, or julie@atoda.org.au to obtain a promotional logo and other support.

Joint Submission to the Consultation on Alcohol and Other Drug Units and Qualifications
A joint submission, from the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA); Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA); Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tas. Inc. (ATDC); Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA); and Queensland Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (QNADA) was made to the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council (CSHISC) public consultation on the second draft of the AOD vocational education training (VET) qualifications within the Community Services and Health Industry Training Package. It builds upon a similar joint submission that was prepared in February 2013 in response to the CSHISC’s initial call for submissions. In summary, the submission identifies that from an AOD perspective it is essential that the VET sector:

Adequately meets the needs of the AOD sector
Ensures that AOD workers receive the appropriate training to equip them with the knowledge and skills
Ensures that VET trainers provide up-to-date, relevant, evidence-based training.

To download the submission click here.

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News from the ACT ATOD Workers Group

The ACT ATOD Workers Group met on 1 May 2014, and are progressing work across a range of areas. If you would like to get involved, please review the information below and liaise with the Workers Group representative from your agency.
Activities / discussions include:

Hepatitis ACT is available to provide targeted workforce development sessions to ATOD agencies at no cost. For more information contact them on (02) 6230 6344 or projects@hepatitisresourcecentre.com.au.
ACT Drug Action Week will be held in the last week of June 2014. An event is being coordinated by ATODA for Friday 20 June 2014 (more information available shortly). Services wishing to coordinate Drug Action Week activities can contact ATODA on (02) 6255 4070 to obtain a promotional logo and other support.
World Hepatitis Day will be held on 28 July 2014. Hepatitis ACT will disseminate information on small grants to support services to host events shortly.
Harm reduction posters related to the changes to Oxycontin formulation are now available from Anex. To view the poster visit: http://www.anex.org.au/wp-content/uploads/A3-OxyContin-warning-poster-1.pdf. For more information on the changes to Oxycontin formulation visit: http://www.atoda.org.au/2014/04/oxycontin-has-changed/

For further information about the ACT ATOD Workers Group visit the ATODA website or contact Amanda Bode, ATODA, on amanda@atoda.org.au

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Liquor Act Review

The ACT Government committed to review the effectiveness of the operation of the Liquor Act 2010 two years after the new laws were introduced in December 2010.

Terms of reference for the review required that the review assess the impact of the new liquor laws, both in terms of alcohol-related violence and public health outcomes. The terms of reference required analysis of relevant data, including from the Office of Regulatory Services, ACT Health, ACT Policing and ACT Ambulance Services. The terms of reference also required consultation with identified key stakeholders.

ACIL Allen Consulting Inc was appointed as the consultant for the review in September 2013.

The Liquor Act 2010

The Liquor Act 2010, which took effect on 1 December 2010, replaced the Liquor Act 1975. The Liquor Act 2010 responded to growing concerns about the anti-social and violent behaviour associated with abuse of alcohol.

The Liquor Act 2010 included the following major areas of reform:

the introduction of new harm minimisation and community safety principles;
new regulatory powers for the Commissioner for Fair Trading;
strengthening the integrity of liquor licences, including the requirement for licensees to disclose details of close associates or influential people in the business;
a new liquor licensing framework with five classes of licences and two classes of permits – and in particular:
- the introduction of risk-assessment management plans (RAMPs); and
- mandatory industry training for the responsible service of alcohol;
stronger protection for children and young people;
new police powers and offences; and
a new liquor licensing fee structure.

The Review Process

ACIL Allen Consulting was engaged by the ACT Government to review the ACT Liquor Laws by considering data from the first two years since the introduction of the new laws in December 2010. Key industry, community and government stakeholders were also consulted over the course of the review.

Key aspects of the Liquor Licensing Regime that were considered include:

the impact of the new laws on the incidence of alcohol-related violence;
the impact that risk assessment management plans (RAMPs) have had in assisting the regulator to assess liquor licence applications against the harm minimisation and community safety principles in the Liquor Act;
the impact of the new laws on community health or wellbeing;
the impact of pre-loading, (the consumption of alcohol purchased from an off licensed or general licensed premises before moving to on licensed venues already intoxicated);
the impact, on the administration of the Liquor Act, of public consultation on new liquor licences, the Liquor Advisory Board, and compulsory responsible service of alcohol training;
the market impact of using a licensee’s compliance history as a risk factor in determining liquor fees or as an incentive to comply with the law; and
the impact, on the payment of licensing fees, of the ‘predominant activity’ approach to defining subclasses of on licence.

ATODA actively engaged in the review process, including through written submissions and its membership on the ACT Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Strategy Evaluation Group and NSW & ACT Alcohol Policy Alliance (NAAPA).

Final Report

The report of the review notes that the majority of stakeholders consider the Act to have made a positive contribution to community safety, and that the adoption of a risk-based approach to licensing is also seen as a positive step. However, the report identifies a number of issues that remain of concern:

the persistent level of alcohol-related violence, in spite of the reforms that have been put in place;
young people needing ambulance treatment for alcohol-related problems and an increasing level of acute alcohol-related emergency department presentations; and
the culture of pre-loading.

The report also identified a number if opportunities to further reform the ACT’s licensing regime in the pursuit of a safer community and a more efficient hospitality sector. These opportunities relate to:

Operating hours and outlet density in Civic
License fees
Risk factors
Pricing and promotions
Public consultation and complaints
Secondary supply laws and controlled purchase operations
Liquor Advisory Board
Clarity in the Act and administrative burden
Data

For further information: See the report, visit the ACT Government website, or see the Canberra Time article

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ACT Policy

Consultation: Discrimination Act
ACT Law Reform Advisory Council (LRAC)

The LRAC has been asked by the ACT Attorney-General to inquire into the scope and operation of the ACT’s Discrimination Act.

As part of the inquiry, LRAC has prepared a Community Consultation Paper, available on the ACT Justice and Community Safety Directorate Website. To request a copy in an alternative format, please contact LRAC on (02) 6125 7514 or by email to lrac@anu.edu.au.

Submission can be made to the inquiry by 30 May 2014.
For more information or to make a submission: email lrac@anu.edu.au, call (02) 6125 7514 or mail it to: Submissions, ACT Law Reform Advisory Council, C/- ANU College of Law, The Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200

Consultation: Proposed model for the Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme
Justice and Community Safety Directorate, ACT Government

A review into the operation of the scheme for the provision of financial assistance to victims of crime under the Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance) Act 1983 is being conducted.

An issues paper released in April 2013, sought community and stakeholder views on the current scheme and options for possible changes to improve the support provided to victims of crime. Submissions identified the need for changes to the administration and the eligibility criteria for the current scheme. ATODA’s submission is available here.

Responses to the issues paper and recent reforms of interstate schemes have been used to inform the development of proposed changes to the existing scheme. The key changes proposed are to:

Move from a court-based scheme to an administrative scheme to make the process of accessing the scheme more user friendly, timely and predictable; and
Take a fairer approach to eligibility for recognition payments which would broaden the range and number of victims eligible for these payments.

Click here for the ACT Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme: Proposed Model
Click here for further information about the broader review

Submissions close: 23 May 2014
ATODA will be making a submission, to contribute please contact Carrie Fowlie on carrie@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070.

ACT Health Smoke Free Environment Policy
ACT Health
ACT Health is currently updating its 2009 Smoke Free Workplace Policy, in line with the ACT Government’s “Future Directions for tobacco reduction in the ACT 2013-2016”. The primary aim is to foster a healthy environment that promotes and role models healthy lifestyles, and protects patients, visitors, tenants, staff and contractors.
The updated 2014 policy, to be renamed the ‘ACT Health Smoke Free Environment Policy’, will include the implementation of a completely smoke free campus at the Canberra Hospital, and the removal of the designated outdoor smoking areas on the hospital campus from 1 September 2014. As with the current policy, all other ACT Health facilities will continue to be smoke free, and the policy will apply to staff, patients, visitors, contractors, and those leasing ACT Health facilities. Measures will be in place to ensure that smokers in contact with health services are encouraged to manage their nicotine cravings, and if willing, supported in their efforts to quit.
People are invited to participate in the consultation process and provide comments or feedback.
Submissions close: 23 May 2014
For more information: See the ACT Health Draft Smoke Free Environment Policy, the Consultation Feedback Form, or visit the Time to Talk website

ATODA will be contributing to the update. Please contact Amanda Bode on amanda@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070.

National Projects

The Australian Government is undertaking or commissioning seven concurrent national projects from 1 July 2013 – 30 June 2014 (inclusively). ATODA is seeking to support ACT stakeholders to effectively and efficiently engage in these important national processes. For more information please see visit the ATODA webpage.

Updates Sought from ACT ATOD Services for the National Drug and Alcohol Services Directory
Monash University
The project aims to map drug and alcohol services throughout Australia in accordance with geographical location, referral pathways and treatment services offered. This work has lead to the development of the web-based National Drug and Alcohol Services Directory. A smartphone application will also be developed aimed particularly at consumers, family/friends/carers and clinicians. In order to maintain accurate and reliable data, the NDAMP team will send out 6 monthly reminders to services to check and update their details where required. ACT was uploaded in November 2013 and they are now asking all ACT services to go to the website at www.ndasd.com.au and check that the information is still current.
For changes to your site’s information please contact Belinda Wallace on (03) 9904 4224, or email belinda.graham@monash.edu

Final Working Paper: Review of the Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Services Sector
Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP)
The review will clarify Australian drug and alcohol treatment and prevention funding; current and future service needs; the gap between met and unmet demand; and planning and funding processes for the future.
The tenth and final DPMP Working Paper for the Review of the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services Sector is now available.
Working Paper 10 Approaches to purchasing alcohol and other drug treatment in Australia provides definitions of funding approaches, and then an overview of research on their strengths and weaknesses. Key informant views from representatives of the Australian alcohol and drug field on funding approaches are then summarised.
For more information: See the Working Paper, or visit the DPMP website

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National Policy

New Measures to Counter Blood Borne Viruses (BBV) and Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs)
Australian Government, Department of Health
The Australian Government is investing $22.45 million over four years for prevention programmes to help address increasing rates of sexual transmissible infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
For more information: See the media release, or visit the Department of Health website

Exploring the Public Interest Case for a Minimum (Floor) Price for Alcohol
Australian National Preventive Health Agency (ANPHA)
There is community concern within Australia and internationally about the effects of harmful alcohol consumption on individuals and communities. In response to this concern, the Australian National Preventive Health Agency (ANPHA) was tasked by the Commonwealth Government to develop further the concept of a public interest case for a minimum (floor) price of alcohol, to discourage harmful consumption and promote safer consumption.
For more information: See the report, or visit the ANPHA website

Key Health Bodies Slam National Commission of Audit Recommendations
Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA)
Five key health organisations have written to the Prime Minister to express deep concern in relation to the reports and recommendations of the National Commission of Audit, which advocate cuts to government spending in areas of critical importance to Australians. In particular, the groups believe the absence of a national approach in key areas such as preventive health and communicable disease will jeopardise people’s health and put greater pressures on the health system.
Signatories to the letter include the: Australian Health Care Reform Alliance, Australian Health Promotion Association, Consumers Health Forum of Australia, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education and Public Health Association of Australia.
For more information: See the letter, see the media release, or visit the Department of Health website, or visit the PHAA website

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Sector Development, Events and Activities

National Reconciliation Week Coming Soon
Reconciliation Australia
The National Reconciliation Week is celebrated across Australia each year between 27 May to 3 June 2014. The week is a time for all Australians to learn about their shared histories, cultures and achievements and join the national reconciliation effort.
ATODA will disseminate a special eBulletin for that occasion outlining ACT activities, events and providing resources.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing of Young People Seminar
Generation Next
This seminar aims to highlight the gravity of the problems caused by alcohol and the seriousness of the actions needed to combat them.
Date: 6 June 2014
Time: 9am – 5pm
Venue: Manning Clark Centre, The Australian National University
Cost: Standard $240, Group rate $150 for 3+ delegates
For more information or to register: See the flyer, visit the Generation Next website, or call 1300 797 794

Human Rights Obligations of ACT Community Organisations
ACT Council of Social Services (ACTCOSS)
This workshop will provide information to board members, managers and workers of community sector organisations on their human rights obligations as public authorities under the ACT Human Rights Act 2004. It will also explore opportunities to use human rights in advocating for clients.
Date: 19 May 2014
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Venue: Level 1 meeting room, Weston Community Hub, 1/6 Gritten Street, Weston
Cost: ACTCOSS member $90, Non-member $125
For more information or to register: Visit the Eventbrite website, email actcoss@actcoss.org.au, or call (02) 6202 7200

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Newsletters, Magazines and Updates

Australian Association of Smoking Cessation Professionals eNewsletter
Australian Association of Smoking Cessation Professionals
This newsletter includes information about events, activities, and news items related to smoking cessation.
For more information: See the latest issue

Canberra Hospital Smoke Free Environment Implementation Newsletter
Canberra Hospital
This newsletter provides information about the implementation of the Smoke Free Workplace Policy.
For more information: See the latest issue

Healthier Work Newsletter
ACT Government
This issue contains information about regular news, updates and any issues regarding the Healthier Work Program.
For more information: See the latest issue

PDARN Update
Pacific Drug and Alcohol Research Network (PDARN)
This newsletter includes regional news and articles of interest and an update of on-going work relating to the PDARN region.
For more information: See the April issue

Prison Issues Update (PIU)
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD)
PIU provides material from Australia and overseas related to substance use and rehabilitation in prisons and the criminal justice system.
For more information: See the April issue

The Loop
National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
The Loop contains information about Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders such as National and New Zealand news, resources, latest research and up coming events.
For more information: See the latest issue

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Resources and Publications

Papers on Mandatory Treatment & Funding Principles
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD)
The Australian National Council on Drugs has recently published a Position Statement on Mandatory Treatment and a Statement of Funding Principles for NGOs providing alcohol and other drug treatments.
For more information: Visit the ANCD website

The Australian (illicit) Drug Policy Timeline
Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP)
The Australian (illicit) drug policy timeline 1985 – 2014 has been updated. It provides a list of key events, policy and legislative changes that have occurred in Australia between 1985 and March 31st 2014. Events are listed by jurisdiction, at the federal and state/territory level. To facilitate repeat users of the timeline all events added in the last six months are highlighted in blue.
For more information: See the Timeline, or visit the DPMP website

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Training and Professional Development

ACT Comorbidity Bus Tours
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The Comorbidity Bus Tour seeks to increase the capacity of frontline workers to support people experiencing co-occurring ATOD and mental health issues (comorbidity). The Comorbidity Bus Tour visits a variety of services in the ACT from the alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD), mental health and youth sectors.
The next Comorbidity Bus Tour for 2014 will be Tour C on 21 May 2014.
For more information: Visit ATODA's website, email bustours@youthcoalition.net or call (02) 6247 3540

April - May 2014 Training and Professional Development Calendar
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The ACT Training and Professional Development Calendar collates training and professional development opportunities for workers in the alcohol, tobacco and other drug, youth, mental health, family support and community sectors.
To get the April - May training calendar, click here.
To include your training in the next calendar, email info@youthcoalition.net or call the Youth Coalition on (02) 6247 3540

Webinar Series
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC)
The NCPIC will be launching a live webinar series in May 2014 on cannabis-related topics. The webinars will be hosted on two days:

Friday 16 May 2014, 1:30-2:30pm
- ‘Cannabis Potency’ with Dr. Wendy Swift
- ‘Cannabis Interventions: Counselling to Emerging Pharmacotherapies’ with Prof. Jan Copeland
Friday 23 May 2014, 2-3pm
- ‘Novel Research and Cannabinoids’ with Prof. Iain McGRegor
- ‘Cannabis and Cognitive Function’ with A/Prof. Nadia Solowij

Cost: Free
For more information: To register for the 16 May click here, and/or the 23 May click here, or visit the NCPIC website

Engaging People to Talk about Problem Gambling Issues
ACT Gambling and Racing Commission
Many people with gambling problems seek help for other problems such as financial difficulties, relationship, housing, mental health or drug and alcohol problems before seeking help for their gambling problems. It is likely that community sector workers in these non gambling specific areas will encounter people with gambling problems. This training will increase awareness and skills for these workers equipping them to help their clients begin the process of change.
Date: 24 April 2014
Time: 9am – 4:30pm
Venue: Woden CIT, Ainsworth St, Phillip
Cost: Free
For more information or to register: Contact Alex Ingham by email alexander.ingham@act.gov.au, or call (02) 6207 0305

Also see ACT ATOD Qualification Strategy detailed in the ATODA News section

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Conferences and Symposiums

NIDAC Conference 2014

National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC)
This year's Conference theme is “What Works: Doing it our Way”. It will provide a platform for an inspiring program showcasing what is working within the AOD sector to address the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs and its associated harms among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Date: 4 – 6 June 2014
Venue: Grand Hyatt, Melbourne
Cost: Speaker Registration $600, Standard Registration $750; Day Registration $320
For more information: See the program, the media release, or visit the Conference website

2014 Australian Winter School Conference
Lives Lived Well
The aim of this year’s conference is to consider how the alcohol and other drugs sector has and is responding to past and emerging challenges, to identify new opportunities and to reflect collectively on how the sector can evolve to maximise benefits not only for our clients, but ultimately the communities in which we work and live.
Registrations are now open.
Date: 23 -25 July 2014
Cost: Before 13 June: Full delegate $495, Day delegate and student $295; After 13 June: Full delegate $595, Day delegate and student $350
Venue: Rydges South Bank, Brisbane
For more information: Visit the Conference website, see the Program, email Sharon.broadley@liveslivedwell.org.au, or call (07) 3834 0204

Australasian Therapeutic Communities Association (ATCA) Conference 2014 : Registration and Call for Abstracts
Australasian Therapeutic Communities Association (ATCA)
An international conference bringing together professionals working in therapeutic communities, researchers and clinicians in the AOD field and affiliated areas.
Closing date for abstract submission is 30 June 2014.
Date: 13-17 October 2014
Venue: Coogee Crowne Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Cost: Before 1 July 2014: Member $575, Non-member $625
For more information: Visit the Conference website, email atca@atca.com.au, or call 0422 904 040

Abstracts Open: APSAD Conference 2014
The Australian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD)
The 2014 APSAD Scientific Program Committee invites the submission of abstracts for original work in consideration for symposia at the APSAD 2014 Conference.
Date: 9 - 12 November 2014
Venue: The Adelaide Convention Centre
For more information or to submit an abstract: See the flyer, or visit the Conference website

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Grants and Funding Opportunities

Domestic Scholarships for the International AIDS Conference 2014
Australian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM)
The Australian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM) have announced a new domestic scholarship program for the 20th International AIDS Conference to be held in Melbourne, 20-25 July 2014.
The Australian Government Department of Health has awarded $600,000 towards funding for around 150 full and part scholarships. These scholarships aim to allow people who would otherwise be unable to attend the conference an opportunity to participate, network and bring back the knowledge they gain to their communities.
Closing date: 30 June 2014
For more information: Visit the ASHM website, see the media release, email lorraine.parish@ashm.org.au, or call (02) 8204 0740

ACT Health Promotion Innovation Grant
ACT Health, ACT Government
The Health Promotion Innovation Fund invites applications for grants of up to $15,000 for innovative health promotion projects to support the ACT Government’s goal of achieving a healthier weight profile in the ACT population. It has a particular focus on achieving this outcome in children. This includes improving eating habits and increasing physical activity.
In addition, projects which support smoking prevention, reduction in hazardous alcohol consumption and healthy active ageing will be considered.
Closing date: 20 June 2014
For more information: See the Health Promotion Innovation Grants Guidelines, visit the ACT Health website, email hpgrants@act.gov.au, or call (02) 6205 1325

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Youth, Mental Health and Allied Sectors

Youth Coalition Forum
Youth Coalition of the ACT
Youth Coalition forums are targeted to youth workers and all others who work with young people. Anyone interested in youth affairs or in hearing from these key services is also very welcome to attend.
Date: 15 May 2014
Time: 9 - 11 am
Venue: Youth Coalition of the ACT, 46 Clianthus St, O’Connor
Cost: Free
For more information: See the flyer, visit the Youth Coalition of the ACT website

Applications are open – Membership on the Youth Advisory Council
Youth Advisory Council
The Youth Advisory Council is a group of 15 dynamic and passionate young people from diverse cultures, backgrounds and life experiences, ranging in age from 12 to 25 years, whose role is to consult with young people on issues of importance and to provide the Minister for Disability, Children and Young People, Ms Joy Burch, MLA, with direct and well informed advice on matters that relate to young people.
For more information: Visit the Youth Advisory Council website, email youthinteract@act.gov.au, or call (02) 6205 3064

Understanding Schizophrenia
Mental Health Foundation ACT
This presentation aimed at consumers and carers provides opportunities to learn Peer Educator and research based material, more about this mental health condition, the available treatment and possibilities of recovery.
Date: 15 May 2014
Time: 2 – 4pm
Venue: Music Room, The Rainbow, Canberra Technology Park, Watson
Cost: Free
RSVP: by 13 May 2014
For more information: See the flyer, email info@mhf.org.au, (02) 6242 4248

Understanding and Managing Depression and Anxiety
Mental Health Foundation ACT
This presentation aimed at consumers and carers provides opportunities to learn from a Peer Educator and research based material, more about this mental health condition, the available treatment and possibilities of recovery.
Date: 14 to 18 May 2014
Time: 10:30am – 12pm
Venue: Room 9, Level 2, Griffin Centre, 20 Genge St, Canberra City
Cost: Free
For more information: See the flyer, email info@mhf.org.au, (02) 6242 4248

Mental Health Community Coalition ACT Inc Conference
Mental Health Community Coalition ACT Inc (MHCC ACT)
The 2014 MHCC ACT Conference theme is “Changing the Services Landscape: Choice, Control and Possibilities for Consumers, Carers and Service Providers”. The conference will tackle themes around recovery, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Partners in Recovery, the importance of Peer Work, Sector Leadership and Collaboration, E-Health and much more.
The conference aims to raise sector awareness and understanding of imminent changes in ACT community mental health service delivery and provide practical tools to prepare for these changes.
Date: 4 -5 June 2014
Cost: Individual (member) $265, Individual (non-member) $345, Community organisation (member) $245, Community organisation (non-member) $295, Consumer/Carer $75, Full-time student $125
Venue: Ann Harding Conference Centre, University of Canberra
For more information: Visit the Conference website, email mhccact@kaigi.com.au, or call (02) 6198 3218

The Rainbow May 2014 Activities Calendar
The Rainbow
The May 2014 Calendar with all activities offered by The Rainbow is now available.
For more information: See the Calendar

Mental Health Community Coalition ACT Inc. eBulletin
Mental Health Community Coalition ACT Inc. (MHCC ACT)
The MHCC ACT is the peak body representing the not-for-profit Community Mental Health sector in the Australian Capital Territory. This e-bulletin is compiled on a fortnightly basis for members to promote local sector news and events.
For more information: See the April 2014 ebulletin

Mental Health Week Reimbursement Applications Now Open
Mental Health Coordinating Council ACT (MHCCACT)
This year Mental Health Week runs from Sunday 5 October to Sunday 12 October. Applications for reimbursements for Mental Health Week 2014 are now open and encourage people to organize events to promote positive mental health and well-being. The ACT Mental Health Week Reimbursement Program Application Package 2014 has all the information needed to start planning an event, and to apply for reimbursement of some of the costs.
Applications close: 1 June 2014
For more information: See the Package, email Rachel.muller@mhccact.org.au, or call (02) 6349 7756

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Consumer Participation

Alcohol & Other Drugs Forum for Mental Health Consumers and Carers
ACT Mental Health Consumer Network and Carers ACT
This forum aims to provide consumers and carers with information on the range of alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in the ACT, the different treatment responses to AOD issues, and the supports available for people with mental health issues and their families.
Panel members from the following organisations will talk about their service approaches, harm minimisation strategies, and issues relating to mental illness and alcohol and illicit drug use: Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA), Directions ACT, Karralika Programs Inc., Salvation Army, Ted Noffs Foundation, Toora Women Inc.
Date: 21 May 2014
Time: 10am -1pm
Venue: Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Level 2, 180 London Circuit, Canberra City
Cost: Free
RSVP: By 19 May 2014
For more information and to register: Contact the Network by email actmhcn@actmhcn.org.au, or call (02) 6230 5796; or contact Carers ACT by email mhcarers@carersact.org.au, or call (02) 6296 9936

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Employment and Volunteering Opportunities

Note: employment opportunities in the sector are also promoted on the Jobs of Substance website

ACT Health Human Research Ethics Committee (ACTH-HREC) – Seeking Lay-member - Female
ACT Government
Expressions of interest are sought from the public for appointment to the ACTH-HREC in the position of Lay-member – Female. This member will have no affiliation with ACT Health and will not be currently engaged in medical, scientific, legal or academic work.
The ACTH-HREC is the peak research ethics committee for human research in the ACT public health sector. ACTH-HREC is constituted in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and requires memberships to meet prescribed categories.
By 13 May 2014, submit a one-page expression of interest letter and copy of CV to acthealth-hrec@act.gov.au or ACT Health HREC, PO Box 11, Woden ACT 2606
For more information: email acthealth-hrec@act.gov.au or call (02) 6174 7968

Volunteering Opportunities
Karralika Programs Inc.
Karralika Programs offers diverse opportunities to those who are willing to share their experience and time, as well as develop skills and gain vital experience with a dynamic team in the field of alcohol and other drugs treatment services.
Regular roles include: administration, general outdoor gardening maintenance, general house maintenance, creative therapies assistance, database entry, PA experience including fundraising, marketing and media assistance, video production.
For more information: email info@karralika.org.au or call (02) 6163 0200

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ACT Media
This section includes ATOD related media from or about the ACT

Alcohol-related news

More police on ACT roads to target drink, drug drivers
ABC News (ACT), 18 April 2014
ACT Police are warning motorists they are now twice as likely to be caught for dangerous driving on Canberra roads.
For more information: See the article

Call to modify guidelines on light drinking in pregnancy
Canberra Times, 21 April 2014
The National Health and Medical Research Council's guidelines on drinking during pregnancy provide insufficient and potentially alarming advice to women about the effects of low-level drinking, a leading pharmacist says.
For more information: See the article

Drunk drivers nabbed on Canberra roads at Easter
Canberra Times, 22 April 2014
A six-time offender was among 21 drivers caught driving drunk over the weekend, with the largest number of drink-drivers caught on ACT roads in three years.
For more information: See the article

Plan gives drivers time to sober up before retrieving cars from night before
Canberra Times, 24 April 2014
ACT clubs believe abolishing paid parking on Saturday and Sunday morning could help prevent drinkers getting behind the wheel to avoid a parking fine.
For more information: See the article

Canberra’s new liquor laws fail to stop violence in venues: report
Canberra Times, 1 May 2014
The ACT government will consider further crack downs on the trading hours of pubs and clubs, outlet density and licence fees, as a new report reveals a rise in the number of assaults in Canberra's licensed premises.
For more information: See the article

Desperate measures to beat the bottle
Canberra Times, 2 May 2014
Tim Byrnes is desperate to quit drinking. So desperate he had an implant inserted in his abdomen this week which could poison him if he hits the booze again.
For more information: See the article

Man caught drink driving twice in two hours in Canberra
Canberra Times, 4 May 2014
Police caught a man drink driving twice in two hours in Canberra.
For more information: See the article

Social media drives Canberra parties out of control
Canberra Times, 4 May 2014
Police have warned against advertising parties on social media after officers from Queanbeyan were forced to break up two out-of-control gatherings.
For more information: See the article

Liquor law reform review confirms drop in alcohol related crime
ACT Government, 5 May 2014
An independent review into the ACT's 2010 liquor law reforms confirms the new laws are starting to tackle alcohol related harm and are improving community safety.
For more information: See the media release

Canberra man caught drink-driving three times in four hours
Canberra Times, 5 May 2014
A Crace man caught drink-driving three times in just more than four hours cannot remember committing the offences, a court has heard.
For more information: See the article

Simon says his liquor reforms are a success, but plans to do more
City News, 6 May 2014
Simon Corbell has released a report into the effects of his changes to the Liquor Act which he says shows great safety improvements.
For more information: See the article

International driver has drink driving case thrown out
Canberra Times, 7 May 2014
A Papuan man has had a drink driving charge thrown out of court because the prosecution failed to prove his overseas licence was not recognised in Australia when he was caught.
For more information: See the article

Police target ACT drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs
Canberra Times, 8 May 2014
Drivers who get behind the wheel after they have taken drugs or alcohol should think again – police are set to begin a month-long blitz on territory motorists who drive under the influence.
For more information: See the article

Drug-related news

Canberra man admits sexually assaulting man who owed drug debt
ABC News (ACT), 16 April 2014
A Canberra man who punched and sexually assaulted another man who owed him drug money has brought his trial to an abrupt end by pleading guilty.
For more information: See the article

Suspected drug trafficker denied bail
Canberra Times, 22 April 2014
Police believe a suspected drug trafficker held a knife to the throat of a witness and pointed a gun at another, a court has heard.
For more information: See the article

Canberra man refused bail over hidden gun fears
ABC News (ACT), 22 April 2014
A Canberra man accused of serious drug offences has been refused bail in the ACT Magistrates Court.
For more information: See the article

Assessing the costs and benefits of legalising cannabis
The Conversation, 23 April 2014
Marian Shanahan, Senior Research Fellow, National Centre for Drug and Alcohol Research, UNSW
Alison Ritter, Professor and Specialist in Drug Policy, UNSW
About one-quarter of Australians support the legalisation of cannabis. And advocates often point to the potential of raising tax revenue from sales as part of their argument. But there has been limited analysis of the economic costs and benefits of legalisation.
For more information: See the article

Drug user tampered with mail, held up petrol station
Canberra Times, 23 April 2014
A drug user has pleaded guilty to tampering with mail in an Australia Post van in Canberra this year.
For more information: See the article

Bail denied to alleged drug dealer, baseball basher
Canberra Times, 24 April 2014
An accused drug trafficker who allegedly took a debtor on a ''long drive'' to the bush, tied him to a pole and beat him with a baseball bat, has lost a second bid for release on bail.
For more information: See the article

Guns and drugs in Florey
City News, 25 April 2014
A search warrant executed on a Florey home yesterday by members of ACT Policing’s Criminal Investigations team has resulted in another firearm and ammunition being removed from the community.
For more information: See the article

International drug cartels target wealthy Australian market
Canberra Times, 28 April 2014
International drug cartels are increasingly targeting the Australian market due to a rise in demand and the price consumers are willing to pay, with latest figures showing drug seizures and arrests at record highs.
For more information: See the article

Geoff Huegill and wife charged over cocaine possession
Canberra Times, 28 April 2014
Former Australian swimmer Geoff Huegill and his publicist wife Sara Hill will face court next month after being allegedly caught with cocaine at Sydney's Randwick racecourse.
For more information: See the article

14 people taken into custody at Groovin the Moo
Canberra Times, 28 April 2014
ACT Policing took 14 people into custody for intoxication and drug possession during the Groovin the Moo music festival at the University of Canberra.
For more information: See the article

Cocaine users at greater risk of heart attacks
Canberra Times, 29 April 2014
People who use cocaine socially have higher blood pressure and stiffer arteries, putting them at increased long-term risk of heart attacks and strokes, a study has found.
For more information: See the article

Canberra has wildly better amphetamines than the rest of Australia
City News, 29 April 2014
In good news for Canberra’s party people the latest Australian Crime Commission Illicit Drug Data Report shows the purity of amphétamine samples in the ACT is straggeringly higher than the rest of the country.
For more information: See the article

Canberra jail's $54 million expansion to better separate prisoners
ABC News, 29 April 2014
The ACT Government will spend $54 million expanding Canberra's jail.
For more information: See the article

ACT police seize more drugs but arrests still low
Canberra Times, 30 April 2014
Cocaine, steroid and heroin seizures were up in the ACT over the past year, while drug-related arrests in the territory remained the lowest in Australia.
For more information: See the article

Weapons and drugs seized at Isabella Plains residence
Canberra Times, 30 April 2014
A 25-year-old Isabella Plains man has been charged following the discovery of a 30/30 lever action rifle, an air rifle, an extendable baton, cannabis, and a small amount of powder believed to be methylamphetamine.
For more information: See the article

Police seize cannabis from Chifley home
Canberra Times, 1 May 2014
ACT Policing seized 29 cannabis plants and 35 shopping bags filled with cannabis from the garden of Chifley residence.
For more information: See the article

Man who murdered public servant in drug robbery appeals sentence
Canberra Times, 5 May 2014
The man convicted of brutally murdering a "jockey-sized" public servant during a drug robbery has appealed against his 22-year prison sentence.
For more information: See the article

Drug law must change
Canberra Times, 5 May 2014
Why are we reporting on this Australian Crime Commission data as if there were something new in it? Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform have been reporting since its inception, almost 20 years ago, that law enforcement costs super dollars and has little overall impact.
For more information: See the article

Police Trustees Office fraud raid nets cannabis and hydroponics
City News, 5 May 2014
ACT Policing Criminal Investigations Fraud detectives executed a search warrant yesterday (Sunday, May 4), as part of an ongoing investigation relating to the ACT Public Trustees Office.
For more information: See the article

Corey Martin appeals sentence for Andre Le Dinh
Canberra Times, 6 May 2014
The man serving more than 22 years in jail for the murder of Canberra man Andre Le Dinh is appealing his sentence.
For more information: See the article

Study links ice to violence
Canberra Times, 7 May 2014
Researchers have for the first time found a direct link between use of the drug ice and violence.
For more information: See the article

Canberra man faces more charges over importing drugs through PO boxes
ABC News, 8 May 2014
A Canberra man charged with importing illicit drugs through Australia Post is facing five new charges in the ACT Magistrates Court.
For more information: See the article

Energy drink Dexaprine KR recalled by manufacturer
Canberra Times, 8 May 2014
One person has been hospitalised after consuming a sports drink with an amphetamine-like substance and illegal levels of caffeine.
For more information: See the article

Tobacco-related news

Cigarettes onto roads Canberra’s leading source of filth
City News, 18 April 2014
55.2% of rubbish items in the ACT are cigarette butts.
For more information: See the article

Electronic cigarettes: the truth behind the smoke and mirrors
Canberra Times, 27 April 2014
The debate over the health and legal implications of e-cigarette use has divided experts across the world. Local authorities will now need to face up to the issue after e-cigarettes were banned in Western Australia.
For more information: See the article

Other news

Disability pensions to come under fresh scrutiny as government tightens screws
Canberra Times, 18 April 2014
Thousands of disability pensioners would be examined by independent doctors to see whether they are still entitled to their pensions, under dramatic changes being considered by Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews.
For more information: See the article

Tharwa indigenous rehabilitation centre gets tribunal green light
Canberra Times, 19 April 2014
Rural landholders have lost a planning stoush with the government over the proposed indigenous bush retreat for drug and alcohol rehabilitation near Tharwa, despite their fears it would undermine the area's ''rural character''.
For more information: See the article

Nadeem Siddiqui appointed Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health service medical chief
Canberra Times, 20 April 2014
A new medical chief has been appointed at the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health service in Narrabundah following a two-year international search.
For more information: See the article

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Services left in funding limbo by federal government
Canberra Times, 20 April 2014
An award-winning Aboriginal health service in Canberra does not know if it will receive funding after June 30, throwing the future of its programs into doubt.
For more information: See the article

Canberra jail’s $54 million expansion to better separate prisoners
ABC News, 29 April 2014
Australia's illicit drug trade is at an all-time high, with a record number of drug related arrests in 2012-2013, according to the latest report from the Australian Crime Commission.
For more information: See the article

$54 million jail expansion to begin soon
Canberra Times, 29 April 2014
The ACT government will spend $54 million to massively expand the territory's prison, building two new cell blocks within two years to solve the overcrowding crisis.
For more information: See the article

Prison should have been built bigger in the first place: ACT Liberals
Canberra Times, 29 April 2014
The ACT opposition has claimed the announcement of a $54 million expansion for the Alexander Maconochie Centre prison is simply "fixing the mistakes of the past".
For more information: See the article

Canberra hospitals record worst emergency department wait times
ABC News, 30 April 2014
The ACT Government says public hospital emergency waiting times are improving despite national figures showing Canberra is lagging behind.
For more information: See the article

Canberra to be cut to bone in audit report
Canberra Times, 30 April 2014
Tony Abbott's Commission of Audit has recommended massive cuts to the size of government, with whole agencies to be abolished, privatised, or devolved to the states, in what would be the biggest reworking of the federation ever undertaken.
For more information: See the article

Additional accommodation facilities at the AMC
ACT Government, 1 May 2014
Minister for Corrections, Shane Rattenbury, announced the lodgement of a development application to build new accommodation facilities at the Alexander Machonocie Centre (AMC) as part of a holistic response to address future accommodation requirements.
For more information: See the media release

Canberra housing service giving advice to homeless on sleeping rough safely
ABC News (ACT), 1 May 2014
Homeless people in Canberra forced to sleep rough are being advised to bunk down near fast food outlets or petrol stations to stay safe.
For more information: See the article

Fears Aboriginal services won’t be able to meet demand from growing population
Canberra Times, 1 May 2014
The ACT's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population is projected to grow faster than any other state or territory in the next 12 years.
For more information: See the article

Plans for major sentencing review and reform program
Canberra Times, 1 May 2014
The government is preparing a major review and reform program to change the way criminals are sentenced in the ACT.
For more information: See the article

Sexually transmitted diseases in Canberra on the rise
Canberra Times, 2 May 2014
Serious sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in the ACT, with new figures revealing diagnoses of HIV and gonorrhoea have more than doubled in the past five years.
For more information: See the article

Intensive correction orders better than periodic detention, says report
Canberra Times, 2 May 2014
Criminals who live in the community under intensive supervision are 33 per cent less likely to reoffend than those sentenced to weekend detention, a new report has found.
For more information: See the article

Government delays announcement on sentencing reform
Canberra Times, 2 May 2014
The ACT Government has delayed releasing details of a major sentencing review and reform program.
For more information: See the article

ACT clubs in financial strife draw line in the sand on tax rises
Canberra Times, 2 May 2014
Clubs in the ACT which are in dire financial straits with income from gaming machines in rapid decline, have warned the government they cannot absorb and will not tolerate any tax increases in thebudget.
For more information: See the article

Community land plan for older women at risk of homelessness
Canberra Times, 5 May 2014
Community land trusts could form part of the solution to the increasing risk of homelessness faced by older women under housing stress in the ACT.
For more information: See the article

Overweight people could pay more for health insurance: NIB chief Mark Fitzgibbon
Canberra Times, 5 May 2014
Overweight people could pay more for health insurance if the Abbott government adopts a Commission of Audit proposal to allow health funds to charge some customers higher premiums because of their "lifestyle choices".
For more information: See the article

Shining a light on charities
Canberra Times, 5 May 2014
One of the fastest growing, most diverse and important parts of our economy is the not-for-profit sector. In recent years, its expansion has been second only to that of the mining sector.
For more information: See the article

Sentencing and justice reform program
ACT Government, 7 May 2014
The ACT Government will pursue a new justice reform strategy focussed on enhancing the legal framework for sentencing and restorative justice. The reforms will give the ACT a state of the art approach to dealing with criminal behaviour and reducing recidivism.
For more information: See the media release

ACT argues against changes to race discrimination laws
ACT Government, 7 May 2014
Attorney General, Simon Corbell, has made a submission to the Federal Government arguing against its proposed changes to Race Discrimination Act 1975 (Commonwealth).
For more information: See the media release

$20,000 packages help organisations get ready for NDIS
ACT Government, 8 May 2014
Community organisations in the ACT have begun receiving $20,000 reform packages to help them prepare for the 1July start of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
For more information: See the media release

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