ATODA eBulletin - October 2013

In this October 2013 Issue

ATODA News / ATOD EDs Group / ATOD Workers Group / National ATOD Projects / ACT Policy / ACT Prison / Federal Government / Sector Development / Community Sector / Newsletters / Resources / Training / Conferences / Consumer Participation / Service Delivery / Allied Sectors / Employment / Funding / ACT Media

News from ATODA

ATODA’s 4^th Annual General Meeting
ATODA’s fourth Annual General Meeting will be held at the Australian National University Commons Function Centre, Rimmer St, on Friday 15 November 2013 at 9:30am to 10am.

Board nominations: Board nominations must be received by ATODA from full members by 10am Friday 8 November 2013. Click here to download a nomination form.

Voting:  Members must be full financial members in order to vote at the annual general meeting.

Membership:  Membership renewals, new applications and payments can be made up until 5pm Monday 28 October 2013. Click here for the membership renewal form. Click here to download a new membership application form.

Proxy:  If you are unable to attend the AGM, we encourage you to complete and return an appointment of proxy form by no later than 5pm Friday 8 November 2013. Click here to download the proxy form.

Agenda:  The agenda is provided to members in advance in accordance with the constitution. Click here to download the agenda.

RSVP:  Are requested by Friday 8 November 2013.

Constitution:  Click here to download the ATODA constitution.

Submission:  Please submit all paperwork to ATODA by the nominated deadlines via:
email:   office@atoda.org.au
post: PO BOX 7187 Watson ACT 2602
visit: 350 Antill St, Watson ACT
fax: (02) 6255 4649

Further information: please contact Carrie Fowlie, Executive Officer, at carrie@atoda.org.au or Dave Corby, Office Manager at office@atoda.org.au (02) 6255 4070

ATODA’s Strategic Planning Workshop
Following ATODA’s AGM, a strategic planning workshop will take place, the details are:
Date:            Friday 15 November 2013
Time:            10am – 11:30am
Venue:            Australian National University Commons Function Centre, Rimmer St,
Participants: All members and stakeholders
RSVP:            Please to office@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070

Dr Stephen Mugford, QQSR Consulting, will facilitate the workshop which will build on the ATODA Members and Stakeholders Survey findings (see below) and inform the organisation’s next strategic plan.
Click here to download ATODA’s Strategic Plan.

ATODA Members and Stakeholders Survey
To help ATODA improve its work and to better understand members and stakeholders needs, you are invited to take a few minutes and complete this survey. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. The results will provide ATODA with valuable feedback related to:

How we are progressing in terms of strategic functions and stakeholder support
How we are communicating
The current priorities and issues faced by service consumers / organisation / the sector, and how ATODA can better support members and stakeholders.

Responses will remain confidential and individual responses will not be identified. The survey will inform ATODA’s Strategic Plan.
Click here to complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PTYS9HD
The survey closes on Tuesday 22 October 2013.

The Canberra Collaboration: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Networking Workshop
The Research School of Population Health (ANU) & ATODA

The workshop aims to gather ACT based alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) researchers across institutions and other key stakeholders to network, exchange ideas and support future collaborations.
It is hoped that the workshop will initiate a more regular gathering of ACT researchers, policy makers and services with an interest in ATOD research. This could generate important networking and collaborative opportunities including consultancy opportunities, applications for grants, etc.
Date: Thursday 31 October 2013
Time: 1pm - 5:30pm
Venue: ANU Commons Function Centre, Rimmer St, Acton
Cost: Free
Program: View the program here
RSVP: via our eventbrite page
For more information or to register: email julie@atoda.org.au, or call (02) 6255 4070

Other ATODA involvements are also listed throughout the eBulletin.

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News from the ACT ATOD Executive Directors Group

The ACT ATOD Specialist Executive Group met for its monthly meeting on 17 September 2013 and discussed a range of collective policy and practice developments, including:

Wendy Kipling gave a presentation on the National Disability Insurance Scheme / DisabilityCare and members discussed the potential implications, including the need for ATOD sector readiness as part of the scheme.
Discussed further engagement in tobacco management, including becoming Under 10% Project Partners to show their leadership in addressing tobacco and engaging in an NHMRC tobacco research project.
Discussed resourcing priorities within the sector, including those related to the ACT Budget Consultation, including:

                   -The need for sector-wide access to childcare
                   - ATOD sector disability readiness support
                   - Increasing staffing ratios related to increasing complexity of service consumers
                   - The need for growth funding within the sector

Discussed the current review of the Liquor Act 2010, including the NSW & ACT Alcohol Policy Alliance submission and the negative impacts of alcohol availability in supermarkets, particularly for people seeking to avoid alcohol.
Discussed the seven concurrent National Project, including the ACT rapid assessment as part of the National Review of AOD Services
Noted the significant work being progressed by the ACT ATOD Workers Group

For more information: Please contact Ronan O’Connor, Chair on ronanoconnor@noffs.org.au or for further information about the group visit ATODA's website

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News from the ACT ATOD Workers Group

The ACT ATOD Workers Group met on 3 October 2013 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:

Seeking input regarding workforce development needs to inform an ATODA submission to the National Workforce Development Strategy consultation. See the National Project Section on ATODA website
Received a presentation from Ben Naughton, ACT Corrective Services regarding the Throughcare Unit that supports people leaving the Alexander Maconochie Centre. This included discussing how ACT ATOD services can work collaboratively with the program.
Coordinating first aid training as part of the ACT ATOD Minimum Qualification Strategy. A registration form for the subsidised training will be disseminated through the Workers Group shortly.
Seeking a nomination from the Workers Group for an individual to be appointed to the ATODA Board of Management.
Promoting the Canberra Collaboration workshop that aims to gather ACT based ATOD researchers and other stakeholders to network, exchange ideas and support future collaborations. The workshop will be held on 31 October and people can register by visiting the eventbrite page
Seeking worker input into a range of policy activities that ATODA will be contributing to including the Review of the Liquor Act and ACT Budget Submission. For more information email carrie@atoda.org.au
Encouraging stakeholders to complete the ATODA stakeholder feedback survey
Promoting the Annual Remembrance Ceremony organised by Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform will be held 21 October 2013, 12.30pm. A special eBulletin will be disseminated by ATODA in advance of the Ceremony.

National ATOD 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 through several mechanisms, including:

1. A webpage for each national project, which includes current ACT specific information
2. Standing item in the monthly ATODA eBulletin, including profiling one project each month (see National Workforce Development Strategy below)
3. Monthly discussions through advisory groups and forums
4. National Projects ACT Updates – see Update #2 (9 September 2013)

National Alcohol and Other Drug Workforce Development Strategy

ACT Consultation
The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) will be hosting an ACT consultation on the development of the strategy on Friday 8 November 2013 from 9:30am – 12pm. For further details will be available soon. The contact for the consultation is Roger Nicholas
roger.nicholas@flinders.edu.au.

Submissions due 29 November 2013
To complement the key informant interviews and the ACT consultation, NCETA is also seeking submissions to inform the strategy’s development.The documentation consists of a Submission Package and Discussion Paper. The Submission Package contains a series of questions which address issues raised in the Discussion Paper. The Discussion Paper was developed from a broader Literature Review, a copy of which can be accessed from the NCETA website. For further information: call (08) 8201 7535 or email nceta@flinders.edu.au.

ATODA will be participating in the ACT consultation and also making a submission. For further details or to contribute please contact Carrie Fowlie on carrie@atoda.org.au

Profile: National Drug and Alcohol Clinical Care & Prevention (DA-CCP) Project

The project is developing a national population planning model for alcohol and drug services in Australia which can be used by all jurisdictions to support transparent, consistent and evidence based health planning.Central to the project is the establishment of a set of ideal treatment pathways, which represent the services that any one typical client may receive over the course of a typical year (categorised by age, severity of dependence and drug type).

Project leaders: Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP), National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW

Funder: Commissioned through the (former) Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy through the Cost Shared Funding Model, funded by the NSW Ministry for Health and the Australian Government Department of Health

Project duration: 2011 – 2014

Further details:
DA-CCP aims and objectives are:

To build the first national population based model for drug and alcohol service planning
To estimate the need and demand for services
To use clinical evidence and expert consensus to specify the care packages required by individuals and groups
To calculate the resources needed to provide these care packages
To provide a tool for jurisdictions: the development of a national model can be adapted for used within each Australian jurisdiction (transparency and consistency in service planning)

The DA-CCP model:

The model is about what “should be”, not what is currently available.
There are 5 drug classes (alcohol, opiates, cannabis, methamphetamine and benzodiazepines)
There are 5 age groups (0-11 months, 1 – 11 years, 12 – 17years, 18 – 64 years, 65+)
The care packages are based on a range of service types:

                     - Outpatient, community based treatments
                     - Residential rehabilitation services
                     - Inpatient, hospital based treatments
                     - Inpatient, community based treatments
                     - Primary care services (e.g. GPs)
                     - The care packages are evidence based. In the absence of evidence, then the packages are based on expert consensus

The DA-CCP will tell us:

Nationally shared descriptions of units of service (care packages)
Estimates of:

                      - The number of people ‘needing’ treatment (by drug type and age range)
                      - The number of staff (full time equivalent) required (medical, allied health/nursing,
AOD workers)
                      - The number of beds and treatment places required
                      - The amount of other care (e.g. doses of medicines, medical investigations, etc)
                      - A tool for each jurisdiction to use in planning for AOD services

Adapted excerpt from a presentation by Professor Alison Ritter “Population planning for alcohol and other drug services: the national Drug and Alcohol Clinical Care Prevention (DA-CCP) project”at the NDARC Annual Symposium 2012. For further information see
http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/ndarc/resources/Session%20Four%20-%20Alison%20Ritter.pdf

Status and ACT activities: ATODA understands that national approval processes for this project are underway and there are no specific ACT activities at this point.

For further information visit the ATODA website

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ACT Policy

ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Communiqué
The purpose of the Elected Body communiqué is to let the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples know what they are doing on their behalf. ATSIEB aims to regularly release a communiqué to inform community and others of their ongoing work
For more information: See the communiqué

Public Status Report: Implementing Expanded Naloxone Availability in the ACT Program
This public status report has been developed by the Implementing Expended Naloxone Availability in the ACT (I-ENACCT) Committee to support stakeholder engagement and understanding of the program’s progress. For more information: See the report, or visit the ATODA website

Liquor Act 2010 Review
Justice and Community Safety Directorate, ACT Government
The ACT Government committed to reviewing the operation of the Liquor Act 2010 two years after it commenced. The review will gather and analyse evidence-based data to enable the Government to assess the efficacy of the reforms and their impact within the community; in particular, the impact they have had on the incidence of alcohol-related violence in the community.
The review began on 11 September 2013. A draft report, setting out the findings of the review, needs to be provided for the ACT Government’s consideration by the review consultant, AILC Consulting, before November 2013. The final report must be provided to the Territory before December 2013.
For more information: including background, scope, methodology and stakeholder engagement see ATODA's website

ATODA will be engaging in the review process, to provide input please contact Carrie Fowlie on carrie@atoda.org.au

Consultation Regarding Proposed Changes to Controlled Medicines Prescribing Options in the ACT
ACT Health, ACT Government
ACT Health is seeking submissions on options outlined in the Options for Controlled Medicines Prescribing in the ACT consultation paper for regulating controlled medicine prescribing and supply in the ACT. Submissions are also sought on the continued functions, powers and membership of the Medicines Advisory Committee.
Closing date: 18 October 2013
For more information: See the consultation paper, visit the ACT Health website or email hps@act.gov.au

ATODA will be making a submission, to provide input please contact Carrie Fowlie on carrie@atoda.org.au

ACT Budget 2014-2015 Submissions
In the framing of the Budget, the Government is seeking suggestions from the community on the prioritisation and efficient allocation of resources in the areas of service delivery, capital expenditure and revenue generation.
Submissions are welcome from any interested group, organisation, business or individual
For more information: See the Budget Consultation Paper or visit the ACT Government website
Click here to see ATODA's previous budget submissions and analyses.

ATODA will be making a submission, to provide input please contact Carrie Fowlie on carrie@atoda.org.au

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Overcrowded ACT Adult Prison and Sentencing

Inquiry into sentencing in the ACT

ATODA made a submission to the ACT Legislative Assembly’s inquiring into sentencing, some key points raised included:

AOD treatment can reduce offending
The AMC is overcapacity therefore we need for innovative justice responses
The length of detention at the AMC can make engagement with rehabilitation programs difficult, with the average length of time spent on remand is 5.2 months and the average length of time spent as sentenced is 5.7 months
The needs of specific population groups need to be considered - including people with AOD problems, children and young people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
That provisions be changed to give the courts power to give priority to rehabilitation with the aim of reducing recidivism, much along the lines that section 133C does for juvenile offenders
Urging for disadvantage to be taken into consideration in sentencing, for example as per the recent High Court decision in Bugmy v The Queen (see also media below)
Application of the penology theory that demonstrates that, to be most effective, sentences should be swift, sure but not severe
Strengthening alcohol and drug diversion and community corrections

Click here to read ATODA’s submission and here to read the ACT Council of Social Service Inc (ACTCOSS) submission

Media

ATODA Executive Officer & Minister for Corrections Radio Interviews
Two interviews were conducted by Jo Laverty on ABC 666 Radio on Thursday 10 October 2013 discussing overcrowding in the Alexander Maconochie Centre and strengthening sentencing options.

Interview with Carrie Fowlie, Executive Officer, ATODA
Interview with Mr Shane Rattenbury MLA, Minister for Corrections

Stanhope says he has ‘anxiety’ over prison management
Canberra Times, 11 October 2013
Former chief minister Jon Stanhope said the overcrowding of the ACT's prison threatens to disrupt the rehabilitation of inmates, and said he feels a ''significant degree of anxiety'' about the management of the facility.
For more information: See the article

Overcrowding at prison ‘no surprise’
Canberra Times, 10 October 2013
A leading criminologist has warned overcrowding at the ACT's only jail may jeopardise safety and security, while urging against ''disgraceful'' proposals to send prisoners interstate.
For more information: See the article

Canberra prison close to capacity
Canberra Times, 9 October 2013
ACT Corrections Minister Shane Rattenbury is calling an urgent ministerial roundtable to find a solution to overcrowding at Canberra's jail.
For more information: See the article

Govt was warned of prison crowding
Canberra Times, 9 October 2013
The ACT government buried a confidential report that suggested Canberra's prison would be full almost immediately, instead using its own figures to justify a smaller facility that is now facing critical overcrowding problems.
For more information: See the article

Judges told to consider history when sentencing
Canberra Times, 3 October 2013
Judges will need to consider the Aboriginal background of an offender when sentencing them, after a High Court decision ruled that the effects of profound disadvantage do not diminish over time.
For more information: See the article

Reduced sentences for offenders who co-operate
ABC News, 17 September 2013
The ACT Legislative Assembly has passed changes to sentencing laws which will offer reduced sentences for offenders who co-operate with the justice system.
For more information: See the article

Canberra jail’s crisis unit was full the night that inmate killed himself
Canberra Times, 13 September 2013
A crisis support unit at Canberra's jail was full on the night an inmate committed suicide at the prison, government figures show.
For more information: See the article

Supreme Court waiting times halved: Corbell
ABC News, 13 September 2013
The ACT Government is claiming success in its ongoing battle to reduce delays in the ACT Supreme Court.
For more information: See the article

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New Federal Government Arrangements

AOD & structural changes within the Federal Department of Health

Structural change within the Department of Health (formerly the Department of Health and Ageing) will mean that there will be a single Branch with responsibility for matters under the National Drug Strategy, including drug and alcohol treatment services.

This will mean that the functions and staff previously in the Substance Misuse and Indigenous Wellbeing Programs Branch in the Mental Health and Drug Treatment Division dealing with mainstream treatment services, and the associated funding programs, with the exception of Indigenous alcohol and drug treatment services, will be transferring to the Drug Strategy Branch, led by Colleen Krestensen.   

As a result of the recent Machinery of Government changes, a new Office for Indigenous Affairs has been established within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C). Those projects and programs administered by the Department which focus exclusively on Indigenous alcohol and other drug treatment services, are transferring to PM&C.   

These changes will take effect from Thursday 10 October 2013.   

The review of drug and alcohol treatment services will be remaining with the Department of Health, along with the Advisory Committee secretariat and project team. In practical terms, therefore, the Department of Health advises that the changes should be seamless and invisible to the sector.

However, should stakeholders need to raise matters related to the review at the Assistant Secretary level; the new contact person will be Ms Colleen Krestensen, Assistant Secretary, Drug Strategy, Prevention and Treatment in the Population Health Division. She can be contacted on (02) 6289 4504 or via email at colleen.krestensen@health.gov.au.   

If stakeholders have any further questions regarding the review please contact us at SMTP@health.gov.au.

Allocation of Ministerial positions
Prime Minister’s Office

This is a statement from Prime Minister the Hon Tony Abbot on the allocation of Ministerial positions. For more information: See the statement and the Full list of Ministers

Establishment of the Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council
Australian Government Media Release
On 25 September 2013 was announced the establishment of the Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council. The Council will inform the policy implementation of the Coalition Government. It will focus on practical changes to improve the lives of Aboriginal people.
For more information: See the media release

Disbanding of the Social Inclusion Unit and the Office of the Not-for-Profit Sector
Australian Government
On 18 September 2013, the Governor-General signed the Administrative Arrangements Orders indicating that the Social Inclusion Unit and the Office for the Not-for-Profit Sector will be disbanded. As a result the Joined Up newsletter will no longer be published.
The Minister for Social Services, the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, will have responsibility for the community sector, volunteering and philanthropy. The Minister for Human Services, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, will have responsibility for service delivery policy.
Work that builds on our achievements will continue in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as it assumes responsibility for Indigenous policy, Deregulation, and the Office for the Status of Women.
For more information: See the Joined Up Special eBulletin

ATODA notes that the status of the National Compact, which sat under the Office of the Not-for-Profit Sector, remains unclear.

National Review of Mental Health Services
Liberal Party
The Minister for Health, the Hon Peter Dutton, MP announced today the first Australian Government actions to progress mental health as a key priority area.
“The Coalition will also task the National Mental Health Commission to assess the effectiveness of all existing mental health programmes across both government and the non-government sectors. The goal of this comprehensive review will be to ensure services are being properly targeted at patients, that services are not being duplicated and that programmes are not being unnecessarily burdened by red tape.”
For more information: Visit the Liberal Party website, or see the media release (1), media release (2)

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Sector Development and Events

18^th Annual Remembrance Ceremony for Those Who Lose Their Life to Illicit Drugs
Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform (FFDLR)
FFDLR invite you to its 18^th Annual Remembrance Ceremony ‘for those who lose their life to illicit drugs’.
Speakers include:

Senator Richard Di Natale, Australian Greens
Suzanne McGhie, parent who has lost a child

Music by Strange Weather Choir
Those with a family member or friend who has lost their life to illicit drugs may have them remembered by name at the ceremony by phoning Marion on (02) 6254 2961 or email mcconnell@ffdlr.org.au

Date: 21 October 2013
Venue: Weston Park, Yarralumla
For more information: See the flyer, or visit the FFDLR website.

Save the date: 6^th Annual CatholicCare Comorbidity Interagency Day
CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn
CatholicCare invites organisations to come along and enjoy a free BBQ and entertainment with the opportunity to meet a number of mental health and alcohol, tobacco and other drugs services across ACT. Services are also invited to host service stalls.
Date: 4 December 2013
Time: 12 – 2pm
Venue: Blackfriars Rose Garden, ACU Campus, 127 Phillip Avenue
For more information: Contact Abbey Higginson by phone (02) 6163 7668, or email abbey.higginson@catholiccare.cg.org.au

ACT Community Consultative Forum
Australian Government, Department of Human Services
The aim of this forum is to engage with local government and non-government organisations to determine how collaboration can help achieving better outcomes for the local community. There will also be tables set up to discuss the following topics:

Disabilities
Mental Health
Youth
Unemployment
Homelessness

Date: 7 November 2013
Time: 10am- 1pm
Venue: Eastlake Football Club, 3 Oxley St, Kingston
For more information and to register: Email dhs.southern.nsw@humanservices.gov.au, or call (02) 4251 3164

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Community Sector Reform

Community workers demand ACT Government pass on pay rises
ABC News, 25 September 2013
Community sector workers across Canberra will walk off the job today angry at the ACT Government is not passing on equal pay increases.
For more information: See the article

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Newsletters, Magazines and Updates

Anex Change
This newsletter gives an update on the rise of crystal methamphetamine use, International Overdose Awareness Day and the announcement of the Victorian Government’s much-welcomed decision to commence a state-wide Community Overdose Prevention and Education program involving Naloxone distribution.
For more information: See the latest issue

Drug info Alert
Australian Drug Foundation
This weekly newsletter provides the latest information on resources and events and news in the alcohol and other drug sector.
For more information: See the latest issues (1) One in three: alcohol, drugs and mental health and (2) New Psychoactive Substances (aka ‘synthetics’) update

Prison Issues Update (PIU)
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD)
The PIU provides information sourced from the ANCDs regular media and policy monitoring activities and information services provided by external organisations.
For more information: See the latest issue

Of Substance eBulletin
Australian National Council on Drugs
Of Substance reports on the recently published Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) and the Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) surveys of key drug-using groups in Australia’s main cities.
For more information: See the latest issue

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

Intouch
Public Health Association of Australia Inc. (PHAA)
Intouch is the monthly newsletter of the PHAA published online from February to December. It focuses on public health news and events in Australia.
For more information: See the latest issue

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Resources

Alcohol and Other Drug Withdrawal: Practice Guidelines. Second Edition
Turning Point
The revised Alcohol and other Drug Withdrawal: Practice Guidelines is a comprehensive all-in-one guide for anyone involved in the care of clients undertaking substance withdrawal, including nursing and medical staff, alcohol and drug clinicians and other health professionals. In addition to a detailed description of withdrawal principles and pathways for clients in drug treatment, Alcohol and other Drug Withdrawal: Practice Guidelines describes approaches to withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, cannabis, psychostimulants and tobacco. Special needs client groups are covered in detail, including a chapter on management of substance addiction in those with co-occurring mental illness.
For more information: Visit the Turning Point website, or call (03) 8413 8413

ADF SEARCH – Free AOD online resource
Australian Drug Foundation (ADF)
ADF SEARCH is the Australian Drug Foundation’s online solution for the discovery and delivery of information on alcohol and drugs including reports, books, journal articles and more. It includes content from a range of collections and sources, including full text journals and online databases. Most material is free to browse.
For more information: Visit the ADF SEARCH website

I Just Want to Work: A Resource Kit for Community Service Organisations
The O’Sullivan Centre, Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service, St Luke’s Anglicare
This Resource Kit aims to support community service organisations who wish to build practical responses to unemployment among clients and to increase vocational outcomes, such as participation in paid employment, unpaid and/or voluntary work in the community and/or participation in vocational training and education programs.
For more information: See the Resource Kit, or visit the O’Sullivan Centre website

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Training and Professional Development

Subsidised Level 2 / Senior First Aid
ATODA
As part of the ACT ATOD Minimum Qualification Strategy, Level 2 / Senior First Aid is being provided.
Date: Friday 29 November 2013
Time: 8:30am – 5:30pm
Venue: St John Ambulance ACT Office, 14 Thesiger Court, Deakin
Register: Essential, please fill the application below and return to ATODA via post to PO Box 7187, Watson ACT 2602 or email on dianna@atoda.org.au by Friday 1 November 2013
For more information: See the application form, visit the ATODA website, email dianna@atoda.org.au or call (02) 6255 4070

Master of Addictive Behaviours
Monash University, Turning Point
Monash’s Master of Addictive Behaviours provides students with a comprehensive overview of addiction science, policy and practice. This scours is a multi-disciplinary, modular post-graduate degree that is delivered onine but which retains a strongly interactive and dynamic focus.
For more information: See the flyer, the media release, visit Monash Coursefinder, email master@turningpoint.org.au, or call (03) 8413 8700

ACTLAF Legal Referrals Training sessions
Legal Aid ACT
ACTLAF is facilitating a free training session for community sector and government workers about: How to recognise when your client has a legal problem; How to use the Free Law Directory to make good and timely referrals for your clients; and What outcomes your clients are likely to experience.
Date: 23 or 24 October 2013
Time: 23 October 2pm – 4pm; 24 October 10am – 12pm
Venue: Legal Aid ACT, Level 1, 2 Allsop St, Canberra
For more information and to register: Email Jennifer.crawley@legalaidact.org.au, or call (02) 6243 3411

ACT Comorbidity Bus Tours
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT (MHCC) 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 Upcoming Comorbidity Bus Tour for 2013 are:

25 October – Tour A
13 November – Tour B
11 December – Tour C

For more information: Visit ATODA's website, email kate@youthcoalition.net or call (02) 6247 3540

Youth Mental Health First-Aid Course
Mental Health First Aid
This course teaches first aid skills for adult members of the public to give initial help to adolescents experiencing mental health problems, in a mental health crisis situation, or in the early stages of a mental illness
Date: 15 November 2013
Venue: Yurauna Centre CIT Reid, Constitution Avenue, Reid
Cost: $210
For more information: See the flyer, or call (02) 6207 3309

1 Day Appreciation of Torres Strait Cultural Awareness Training
ACT Council of Social Services (ACTCOSS)
This one-day training for both Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers aims to assist participants in developing a better understanding of the cultural perspectives of Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. The training will explore ways for organisations to develop a better understanding of some key issues such as culture, kinship and community. This training assists participants in developing and improving a range of cross-cultural communication skills.
Date: 1 November 2013
Time: 9:30am
Venue: ACTCOSS Meeting Room, 1/6 Gritten St, Weston
Cost: $176 ACTCOSS Member / $250 Non-Member / $325 Government or Corporate
For more information and to register: Visit the Eventbrite page, email actcoss@actcoss.org.au, or call (02) 6202 7200

Aboriginal Culture, History and Heritage Training
ACT Council of Social Services (ACTCOSS)
This one-day workshop for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers provides participants with a general introduction into the recent history of Aboriginal peoples in Australia. It aims to improve knowledge of Aboriginal culture and dispossession, and explores ways organisations may improve their practice to respond to the needs of Aboriginal peoples.
Date: 15 November 2013
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Venue: ACTCOSS Meeting Room, 1/6 Gritten St, Weston
Cost: $176 ACTCOSS Member / $250 Non-Member / $325 Government or Corporate
For more information and to register: Visit the Eventbrite page, email actcoss@actcoss.org.au, or call (02) 6202 7200

Domestic and Family Violence Awareness WorkshopAboriginal Culture, History and Heritage Training
Lifeline
Lifeline is running free domestic and family violence awareness workshops for health, allied health and community frontline workers who, as part of their work, come in contact with people experiencing or at risk of domestic violence.
Date: 31 October 2013
Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Venue: Lifeline Canberra offices: Level 1, 71 Northbourne Ave, Canberra City
Cost: Free
For more information and to register: Contact Tracey McMahon by email tracey.mcmahon@act.lifeline.org.au, or call (02) 6204 6434

October – November 2013 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.
Download the training calendar
To include your training in the next calendar, email info@youthcoalition.net or call the Youth Coalition on (02) 6247 3540.

Expert, Customised and Evidence Based ACT Specific ATOD Training
It can often be challenging in the ACT to access evidence-based, expert, customised, and industry delivered ATOD education and training. In response to this ATODA has engaged expert trainers and educators across Australia to deliver training and education that can be tailored to your service or organisation’s needs. A diversity of courses is available, and can be customized to meet service needs.
For more information: download the information package or contact ATODA by email info@atoda.org.au, or call (02) 6255 4070

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Conferences and Symposiums

2013 Annual APSAD Awards for Excellence in Science and Research
Australian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD)
The Annual APSAD Awards for Excellence in Science and Research are designed to provide peer recognition for those working in the drug and alcohol field in Australia. There are three categories of Awards:

Early Career
Senior Scientist
First People’s

All three Awards reflect excellence in the application of theory and knowledge to any aspect if drug and alcohol use or misuse. Recipients of the APSAD Awards will be recognised as having made an outstanding contribution to reducing the harms associated with alcohol and other drug use in Australasia.
Date: 26 November 2013
For more information: Visit the APSAD website, email exec.officer@apsad.org.au, or call (02) 9252 2281

Future Thinking – a Health and Social Care Innovation Symposium
ACT Medicare Local (ACTML), Murrumbidgee Medicare Local
The aim of this symposium is to showcase local and regional innovation in health, discuss contemporary local and regional health challenges, create networking opportunities and promote awareness and understanding of the role of a primary health care organisation.
Date: 28 November 2013
Time: 8:30am – 5:30pm (followed by networking drinks and ACTML AGM at 6:30pm)
Cost: $50 ACTML Member / $75 Non-member
Venue: University House, The Australian National University, Liversidge St, Acton
For more information and to register: Visit the ACTML website, or call (02) 6287 8099

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Consumer Participation

Consumer Bites
Health Care Consumers’ Association
The Consumer Bites is the Health Care Consumers’ Association newsletter. It provides information about current projects, local and national health issues, local events and the latest research developments.
For more information: See the latest issue

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Service Delivery and Referral

This section contains details about new or updated services that accept referrals. For a complete listing of ACT services, please see the ACT ATOD Service Directory

New WIREDD Day Program
Toora Women Inc.
The WIREDD Alcohol and Other Drug Day Program supports women to maintain a life free from the use of alcohol and other drugs.
The Day Program operates from the premises of Toora Alcohol and other Drug Service.
For more information: See the brochure, visit the Toora Women Inc website, email WIREDD@toora.org.au or call (02) 6248 8600

Karralika Therapeutic Community Educational Video
Karralika
Karralika have produced an educational video aimed at informing potential clients and their families as well as other members of the AOD sector about their work and what clients can expect on admission.
For more information: See the video, or visit the Karralika website

Controlling Your Drinking Group
Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS)
A 3 hour program over 2 weeks designed to help people assess their alcohol use and possible barriers that prevent them from reducing their use.
Date: 16 & 23 September, 18 & 25 November 2013
Time: 2pm - 3:30 pm
Venue: ADS office, 1 Moore St, Canberra City
For more information and to register: See the flyer, or call (02) 6207 9977

Controlling Your Cannabis Use Group
Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS)
A 3 hour program over 2 weeks designed to help people assess their cannabis use and possible barriers that prevent them from reducing or ceasing their use.
Date: 4 & 11 November 2013
Time: 2pm - 3:30 pm
Venue: ADS office, 1 Moore St, Canberra City
For more information and to register: See the flyer, or call (02) 6207 9977

Mindfulness, Meditation and Stress Management Course
Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS)
A 5 week group program designed for individuals with, or caring for, someone with alcohol and other drug issues who want to learn: meditation and other mindfulness techniques; how to identify and let go of unhelpful thoughts, feelings, sensations and urges; and how to better manage stress and uncomfortable emotions
Date: 16 & 23 September, 6 &13 November 2013
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Venue: ADS office, 1 Moore St, Canberra City
For more information and to register: See the flyer, or call (02) 6207 9977

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Allied Sectors

Official Visitor announced for Disability Services
The ACT’s Official Visitor Act 2012 and the introduction of an official visitor for disability services are now operational in the ACT. The Act came into effect on 1 September 2013.
The intent is to improve the monitoring and complaints system for people who live in government institutions. It also expands the scheme for people in community settings who, while not being detained against their will, cannot move elsewhere if there is a problem with their accommodation or the responsible service provider. The Official Visitor reports directly to the Minister for Disability, Children and Young People, Ms Joy Burch MLA.
For more information: See the Official Visitor Act 2012, visit the Disability ACT website, the ADACAS website, email mimi.dyall@act.gov.au, or call (02) 6205 1566

ACT Youth Affairs Conference
Youth Coalition of the ACT
The Conference will provide an opportunity for workers across the complex range of services for
young people in the ACT and the region to participate in and hear about leading research, discussion,
workshops, and practice development.
Date: 27 – 28 November 2013
For more information: Visit the Youth Coalition of the ACT website, email Katrina@youthcoalition.net or call (02) 6247 3540

Annual YOGIE Awards Nominations Open
Youth Coalition of the ACT
The YOGIE Awards recognise, celebrate, promote and reward outstanding practice in working with young people in the ACT and surrounding area. The YOGIE Awards are a Youth Coalition of the ACT initiative proudly supported by the Community Services Directorate, ACT Government. This year the Awards Ceremony will be held in conjunction with the ACT Youth Affairs Conference.
Date: 27 November 2013
Time: 7pm
Venue: Hellenic Club, Matilda St, Weston
For more information: See the nomination package, or visit the Youth Coalition website

Case Management Practice and the ACT Child, Youth & Family Services Program
Families ACT
This report documents current research knowledge about case management approaches used to assist vulnerable people negotiate complex service systems. It details qualitative research undertaken to provide an understanding about the practices and experiences of case managers working in the Child, Youth and Family Services Program (CYFSP) in the ACT. The paper addresses a number of questions which continue to preoccupy the sector including: What is case management?

What are the differences between casework, case management and case coordination?
What is the role of the case manager?
How do service users experience case management?

It also considers issues like intensity and duration of case management and caseloads.
For more information: See the Case Management Paper

25^th edition of the LGBTI Health Update - LGBTI Health 2013: people, profiles and perspectives
National LGBTI Health Alliance
This special edition of the LGBTI Health Update presents a broad overview of some of the health issues faced by LGBTI people in Australia in 2013.
For more information: See the special edition, or visit the LGBTI website

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Employment and Volunteering Opportunities

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

General Practitioner – Part time/sessional
Directions
The Althea Wellness Centre General Practitioner will provide excellence in clinical care and provide support to people with alcohol and other drug issues as an integrated response with the range of other services available at Directions. The General Practitioner will work closely with members of the clinical and allied health team to provide holistic health care in a primary care setting. The GP clinic is designed primarily for people who do not have a regular doctor.
No closing date.
For more information: See the position statement, or contact Wendy Armstrong by phone 0437 186 522 or email wendy.armstrong@directionsact.com

Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Support Worker – Casual/Part time/Full time
Directions
The AOD Support Worker will work across all Directions programs including the Needle Syringe Program (NSP), Arcadia House, Groups and Reception as required.
No closing date.
For more information: See the position statement, or call (02) 6122 8000

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Funding

Grants to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
ACT Government
The aim of these grant programs is to provide funding support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for leadership training for both formal and informal development opportunities for participants and to showcase the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in the ACT community through the development of innovative projects that contribute to sustainable communities by highlighting and promoting cultural diversity and social harmony.
Closing date: 31 October 2013
For more information: See the media release, or visit the ACT Government website

Enhancement Service Offer Grants
ACT Government
The first round of the $7.7 million Enhancement Service Offer Grants for people with a disability has been a success, with more than 1,300 applications received. These Enhancement Offer Grants are the ACT’s first steps towards DisabilityCare Australia, allowing people with disability to apply for funding for services, supports, access to day-time activities, equipment and more.
Closing date: 8 November 2013
For more information: See the media release, or visit the ACT DisabilityCare website

Health Promotion Innovation Fund
ACT Government
The ACT Health Promotion Grants Program works in support of ACT Health's overall aim to achieve good health for all ACT residents through promoting health improvements.
The majority of available funds are provided to community organisations to undertake health promotion projects to promote healthy living, healthy environment, having a healthy community and being healthy people.
For more information: See the Healthy Canberra Grants Funding Guidelines, the Health Promotion Innovation Fund Funding Guidelines, visit the ACT Health website, email hpgrants@act.gov.au, or call (02) 6205 1325

Heal our Past, Build our Future Together – Micro Grant Funding 2014
Healing Foundation
The Healing Foundation is pleased to announce that our Micro Grant funding round is open to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities to commemorate and celebrate the 2014 anniversary of the National Apology.
For more information: See the Funding Guidelines, or visit the Healing Foundation website

Life-changing disability grants worth $4.3 million awarded
ACT Government Media Release
More than $4 million in life-changing grants have been awarded to Canberrans with disabilities in another milestone towards the ACT roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
For more information: See the media release

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ACT Media

Alcohol-related news

Even a couple of drinks during pregnancy can affect children at school
The Conversation, 10 October 2013
Pregnant women who regularly drink as few as two glasses of wine per session can have adverse affects their child’s results at school, according to new research from the University of Queensland.
For more information: See the article

Alcohol industry uses tobacco tactics
The Conversation, 10 October 2013
The alcohol industry is attempting to delay the introduction of mandatory warning labels by using techniques learned from big tobacco, according to the international scientific journal Addiction.
For more information: See the article

Long weekend drivers caught speeding, drink-driving
Canberra Times, 8 October 2013
Overall, Canberra motorists were slightly better behaved on the roads over the past few days compared to previous long weekend, but police still nabbed speeding drivers with children and repeat drink-drive offenders in a holiday blitz.
For more information: See the article

Think alcohol and energy drinks are nothing to worry about? Think again
The Conversation, 25 September 2013
Heavy drinkers are mixing alcohol with energy drinks to enable them to drink longer and get more drunk. While the trend is concerning many public health researchers – because the risks remain unknown – others are attempting to allay these fears, claiming there’s nothing to worry about.
For more information: See the article

Waterford escapes conviction for drink-driving
Canberra Times, 25 September 2013
Veteran Canberra journalist John Edward ‘‘Jack’’ Waterford has escaped conviction for drink driving.
For more information: See the article

Peta Credlin, Tony Abbott’s chief of staff, avoids punishment on drink-driving charge
ABC News, 25 September 2013
Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott’s chief of staff has avoided punishment on a drink-driving charge in the ACT Magistrates Court.
For more information: See the article

Men urged to take drinks pause to support pregnant partners
Canberra Times, 22 September 2013
Former Olympic swimmer Elka Whalan and her husband Thomas have a rule – coffee, dessert and alcohol are three things that should never be enjoyed alone.
For more information: See the article

A couple of drinks a day likely to earn you later ailment
The Sydney Morning Herald, 22 September 2013
The few glasses of wine women pour themselves each night to take the edge off a stressful day wrangling kids or rushing to meet work deadlines pose hidden health risks that may not surface until decades later, experts warn.
For more information: See the article

Drink choice shifting from beer to wine
ABC News, 18 September 2013
Wine is on track to overtake beer as the nation’s drink of choice. The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show the average person is drinking 44 fewer standard drinks of beer that they were in 2008. But win is up, by an average of seven glasses per person over the same time period.
For more information: See the article

Drink-driver avoids full-time jail after completing rehab
Canberra Times, 17 September 2013
A Canberra drink-drier has avoided full-time jail for seriously injured another woman in a head-on collision.
For more information: See the article

Anger over police patrol changes in Civic
ABC News, 17 September 2013
Clubs ACT has reacted angrily to changes in the way police respond to alcohol related crime in the Territory.
For more information: See the article

Civic needs more police, chiefs warned
Canberra Times, 14 September 2013
ACT police chiefs have been warned that officers are being repeatedly exposed to serious violence because of dangerously low staff numbers patrolling Civic after dark
For more information: See the article

Drug-related news

Hemp seed advocates push regulator change
Canberra Times, 16 October 2013
A senior public servant’s nine-month court battle highlights the need for Australian regulators to allow hemp seed to be sold and consumed as a food source, advocates say.
For more information: See the article

Canberra man jailed for 22 years for fatal bashing of drug dealer
Canberra Times, 16 October 2013
A Canberra man who bashed a drug dealer to death has been sentenced to 22 years in jail.
For more information: See the article

Watson woman charged over heroin find
Canberra Times, 16 October 2013
A woman has been charged after police allegedly found a quantity of heroin at a home in Watson.
For more information: See the article

Hemp-seed muesli led to ACT drug-driving charge: Laws under fire
Canberra Times, 12 October 2013
The ACT's new drug-driving laws have come under fire after a senior public servant who ate a breakfast muesli containing hemp seeds was dragged through a nine-month court battle.
For more information: See the article

Addiction can’t always be cured so let’s focus on quality of life
The Conversation, 10 October 2013
Regardless of how good the treatment is, half to three-quarters of drug users relapse. And the quality of life for problem alcohol and drug users in and out of treatment is low – they’re likely to face social exclusion and discrimination.
This is why so many professionals and policy makers, as well as people with addictions and their family members, are turning to the recovery movement – as many in the mental health sector have done in recent years with great success.
For more information: See the article

Drug dealer bought gun, but didn’t know how to use it
Canberra Times, 9 October 2013
A Bonner drug dealer who bought an illegal shotgun for protection against a standover man has been sentenced to three-and-a-half year’s jail.
For more information: See the article

Addiction and the brain: how the immune system takes over
The Conversation, 8 October 2013
The realisation that the immunology of human brains contributes to so many aspects of behaviour and cognition has led to paradigm shifts in the fields of psychiatry and mental health. A recent exciting development has been the discovery that changes in brain immunology contribute to drug addiction.
For more information: See the article

Call for action as 115 deaths linked to pain pills
Canberra Times, 18 September 2013
Revelations of a spate of deaths caused by the misuse of a popular painkiller have led to calls for tougher restrictions on the anti-inflammatory pill.
For more information: See the article

Drug victim was found alone before his death
Canberra Times, 17 September 2013
A raver who died from a suspected drug overdose at a hardcore dance festival was found barely conscious by security and his friends were nowhere in sight.
For more information: See the article

Drug addict who burgled mother’s house refused bail
Canberra Times, 16 September 2013
A man charged with burgling his mother to help fund his drug habit has been denied bail in an ACT court.
For more information: See the article

Bail revoked for man found guilty of assisting suicide
ABC News, 16 September 2013
A Canberra heroin addict found guilty of assisting his girlfriend’s suicide has been returned to jail after it was revealed he is continuing to use heroin.
For more information: See the article

Cheap drugs suspected in raver’s Defqon.1 death
Canberra Times, 16 September 2013
Festivalgoers preferred to pop pills than pay for pilsners at a Sydney rave where one Victorian man died and at least 20 others overdosed on drugs.
For more information: See the article

Jail inevitable for addict in assisted suicide of young mother
Canberra Times, 16 September 2013
A Canberra drug addict who help his girlfriend overdose in a suicide pact has admitted to using heroin throughout his trial.
For more information: See the article

Tobacco-related news

Medical journals refuse to publish tobacco-funded research
The Conversation, 16 October 2013
Editors of journals published by the BMJ Group will no longer consider publishing research that is partly or wholly funded by the tobacco industry, the journals have said in an editorial published recently.
For more information: See the article

Smoke, mirrors and ciggy packs
Canberra Times, 10 October 2013
Almost a year after they came into effect, have Australia’s tough new tobacco packaging laws had an impact on smoking rates?
For more information: See the article

Read all about it – smoking rates fall
Canberra Times, 4 October 2013
Canberra women are leading the nation in giving up smoking, with daily usage rates dropping by one-third in five years.
For more information: See the article

NSW set to ban smoking in all prisons
ABC News, 30 September 2013
Smoking in all New South Wales prisons could be banned within 18 months under a plan proposed by the state's prison boss.
For more information: See the article

NSW prisoners to be banned from smoking
Canberra Times, 30 September 2013
Smoking in all NSW prisons is set to be banned within 18 months after the state's prison boss expressed his concern about the health effects lighting up in jails is having on staff and inmates.
For more information: See the article

Smokers hazy on use of child labour
Sydney Morning Herald, 29 September 2013
Australia's cigarette trade is being propped up by the exploitation of children, with new figures revealing more than $16 million of tobacco grown using cheap child labour is being imported every year.
For more information: See the article

Smoking to be banned in English prisons – report
Inquirer News, 20 September 2013
A pilot scheme is set to be launched early next year banning all tobacco products in the grounds of jails in south-west England, with a full ban due to be rolled out within 12 months.
For more information: See the article

Cigarettes phase-out considered as trial tests if vapour safer
Canberra Times, 15 September 2013
Australia could become the first major nation to outlaw smoking, with federal government-funded trial about to test the viability of electronic cigarettes as a safer, permanent replacement for tobacco.
For more information: See the article

E-cigarettes as good as patches, but quit rates are low: study
Canberra Times, 9 September 2013
Tobacco-free electronic cigarettes are as effective as nicotine patches in weaning smokers off their habit but both are only modestly successful, a new study says.
For more information: See the article

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