ATODA eBulletin - November 2013

In the November 2013 Issue

ATODA News / ATOD EDs Group / ATOD Workers Group / National Projects / Prisoner Health / ACT Budget Consultation / ACT Policy / National Policy / Sector Development / Newsletters / Resources / Training / Conferences / Consumer Participation / Service Delivery / Allied Sectors / Employment / ACT Media

News from ATODA

Expression of Interest: ACT Tobacco Research, Projects, Support and Resources

Dear ATODA Members and ACT Stakeholders,

ATODA is engaged in several tobacco related projects and is seeking expressions of interest from members and stakeholders on being involved in one or more initiatives. Please complete the expression of interest form and we will get back to you with further information about being involved.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me, or a member of the team, on (02) 6255 4070.

Sincerely,

Carrie Fowlie
Executive Officer

Under 10% Project: Support to develop and implement (or review) a workplace tobacco management policy
Building on the success of the ACT Workplace Tobacco Management Project, the Under 10% Project provides support and resources to health and community services to develop and implement (or review an existing) workplace tobacco management policy. The aim is to strengthen healthy work practice of services who work with disadvantaged people. Support includes:

Tobacco training for workers
Subsidised nicotine replacement therapy for workers
Template policies and signage
Resource kit
Evaluation and monitoring tools
Project Team support

For further information please visit www.under10percent.org.au

NRT for Service Consumers Project
ATODA, in collaboration with the ACT ATOD Workers Group, successfully advocated to secure some resources for service consumers of specialist drug treatment and support services to access subsidised nicotine replacement therapy.

NHMRC Funded Research on Addressing Smoking
ATODA has partnered with the University of Newcastle (UoN) to conduct research on addressing smoking and tobacco use in alcohol and other drug services. If you are interested in learning more about helping workers and service consumers to quit / reduce smoking, this research may be of benefit to you. The aim is to help services build their capacity to address smoking.

NRT for Workers Project
ATODA, in collaboration with the Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT, are conducting a project which provides subsidised nicotine replacement therapy for workers who smoke to help them manage their tobacco consumption and support quit attempts at no cost to the individual employee.

Subsidised Training: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Screening and Brief Intervention
(ACT eASSIST)
The ACT e-ASSIST was developed through a partnership between Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA) and ATODA, and is an electronic version of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), designed by the World Health Organization. The screen includes brief interventions and ACT referrals. Upon completion, the screen is scored and feedback on each drug is given to the consumer based on his or her individual scores. The ASSIST has been favourably evaluated in several large scale, international studies. Subsidised training is available in alcohol, tobacco and other drug information; harm reduction; screening; brief interventions; referrals and the ACT eASSIST.

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 22 October 2013 at Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service and discussed a range of collective policy and practice developments, including:

Discussing priority areas for specialist ATOD services in the National Workforce Development Strategy, including:
o Clearer definition of the types of publicly funded ATOD treatment services being purchased and the attributes of the workforce required to deliver these services
o Better understanding the profile of the ATOD workforce and opportunities to strengthen it
o Clinical supervision
o Strengthen the delivery of culturally competent and culturally secure services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
o The peer and consumer workforce
o Alignments across the National Projects
Discussing the ACT Medicare Local (ACTML) needs assessment and opportunities to strengthen linkages with the ATOD sector, including the development of a discussion paper by ATODA and the ACTML and conducting a consultative workshop on 17 December 2013.
Agreement to the approach in the ‘Subsidised Childcare Program for ACT AOD Rehabilitation Services Discussion Paper’
Discussing the ACT Budget 2013-14 consultation
Update on the National Projects
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 7 November 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:

Coordinating subsidised first aid training as part of the ACT ATOD Minimum Qualification Strategy. The training will be held for registered workers on 29 November 2013
Developing the Workers Group workplan through reviewing feedback from a survey of ACT ATOD workers. Workers expressed interest in re-establishing forums with a focus on issues of interest to frontline workers. A forum will be planned for 2014
Seeking input into the development of the National Workforce Development Strategy being led by the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction. For more information visit www.atoda.org.au/national-projects/national-alcohol-and-other-drug-workforce-development-strategy/. Workers are also invited to contact amanda@atoda.org.au to provide feedback or input into the ATODA submission
Coordinating service updates into the ACT ATOD Services Directory available online at: www.directory.atoda.org.au/
Inviting content for the End of Year eBulletin that will include information on holiday shutdown periods. To contribute information email ebulletin@atoda.org.au

For more information on the ACT ATOD Workers Group see www.atoda.org.au/about/about-atod-sector/workers-group/

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 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

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

Building Funding Application Skills Program: Survey for Non Government ATOD Services
The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction has been commissioned to develop a comprehensive training resource package for the non-government drug and alcohol sector. The aim of the resource package is to support this sector in preparing funding applications and grant tenders.

To inform the program, a survey has been developed for your organization to complete. There should be only one survey completion per agency. To complete the survey visit www.research.net/s/buildinggrantapplicationkills

For more information including a recent communiqué visit www.atoda.org.au/national-projects/building-funding-application-skills-project-2/

Survey: closes 5pm on Friday 22 November 2013

Consultations to Inform the Quality Framework for Australian Government Funded Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services
Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre and ATODA are coordinating consultations with ACT ATOD services to inform the Quality Framework project. For more information on the project see the profile below. ATODA will contact relevant services directly to schedule an interview to inform the project.

ACT service consultations December 16 & 17, 2013

Profile: Quality Framework for Australian Government Funded Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services

The quality framework aims to complement work completed or currently underway by governments within the drug and alcohol treatment services sector to better understand and improve service quality and inform future planning needs.

Project leaders: Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre

Funder: Australian Government Department of Health

Project duration: July 2013 – June 2014

Further details:
The quality framework will be developed in collaboration with Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) treatment services, state and territory governments and AOD peak bodies, and will lead the drive towards quality improvements in AOD treatment service delivery and improved client outcomes, by delivering best practice, evidence‑based treatment models to clients and family members. This will guide Australian Government funding of AOD treatment services in delivering quality, sustainable drug and alcohol services that respond to the needs of individuals, families and communities.
The project is based on an ethos of collaboration and transparency. Consultation and engagement with the AOD peak bodies and treatment services is central to the success of this project and will ensure the framework developed is informed and complementary to the AOD treatment services sector.

Project aims
Develop a quality framework for AOD treatment services that;

complements other models/frameworks that services must currently comply with;
is adaptable, flexible and suitable for a range of service types and settings, including Indigenous-specific services;
clearly describes the expected quality standards for each service type;
has clear guidelines, policies and procedures to support the achievement and maintenance of these quality standards;
considers related aspects such as accreditation and minimum qualifications.

Project design and activities
This will be completed in two phases
1) Phase 1: Quality standard mapping and consultation:
Stage 1: Mapping quality processes and activities – consultation and data gathering.
Stage 2: Developing the draft model
2) Phase 2: Development of standards and indicators:
Stage 1: Developing standards and indicators – consultation and feedback
Stage 2: Model testing and sector consultation – assessing delivery mechanisms

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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Important developments in ACT Prisoner Health

October 2013 saw the public release of three important policy documents (see below) related to improving the health and wellbeing of Canberra’s detainees, particularly in relation to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

These documents were developed with input from the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) Health Policies and Services Advisory Group, chaired by Dr Peggy Brown, Director-General, ACT Health. ATODA is one of four non-government services represented on this group.

ATODA acknowledges and supports the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to evidence-based strategies reflected in these documents, including:

A continued commitment to preventing and reducing blood-borne virus transmission by providing regulated access to sterile injecting equipment in the AMC; and
Preventing and reducing opioid overdose by implementing and evaluating Australia’s first training program, that includes prescription naloxone to detainees upon release, who are potential overdose victims.

1. Strategic Framework for the Management of Blood-Borne Viruses in the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) 2013 – 2017

The framework seeks to promote transparency and accountability in the management of blood borne virus infections in the AMC and is set in Australia (and the ACT’s) harm minimisation approach to drug use. Amongst the many priority areas, a key component is the ACT Government’s renewed commitment to provide “regulated access to sterile injecting equipment” (priority area 1c).

The Director-General, Justice and Community Safety Directorate and the AMC Health Policies and Services Advisory Group chaired by the Director-General, ACT Health, have primary responsibility for coordinating implementation of the Strategic Framework.

Click here to download the framework.

2. Drug Polices and Services Framework for the AMC 2013 – 2015

The framework sits within the broader context of the ACT Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) Strategy 2010 – 2014, its purpose is to give coherence and transparency to the delivery of drug policies and services of the AMC and to provides a mechanism by which the design and delivery of those policies and services is able to be guided and monitored in a manner that is based on an explicit, consistently-applied, set of human rights principles.
Click here to download the framework.

3. Final Status Report 2013 to the Burnet Report

The external component of the evaluation of drug policies and services and their subsequent effects on prisoners and staff within the Alexander Maconochie Centre (the Burnet Institute Report) is an independent evaluation of drug policies and services at the AMC. Amongst the many priority areas, a key component is the implementation of an opioid overdose education and management program which includes prescription naloxone. The program is run by the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy with Justice Health.

Click here to download the framework.

Joint Statement "Prisoner health is public health: Important, evidence-based steps forward"
ATODA, the ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service and the Mental Health Community Coalition ACT

“As members of the AMC Health Policies and Services Advisory Group, we have been involved in the development of these key documents. We support the ACT Government’s commitment to engaging with its non-government partners and with consumers in the development, implementation and monitoring of health policies and services in the AMC.” Read the full statement here.

Health groups backing plan for needle exchange
Canberra Times, 25 October 2013
In a move praised by health bodies, the ACT government has reconfirmed its commitment to trialling a needle and syringe program in the territory's prison.
For more information: See the article

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ACT Budget Consultation 2014 - 2015

ATODA acknowledges the ACT Government for its ongoing commitment to engaging with the community to identify resourcing priorities through the annual ACT Budget consultation process. ATODA’s submission includes the following 8 initiatives to prevent and reduce ATOD related harms in the ACT:

To develop, implement and evaluate a centralised, coordinated and subsidised childcare program for children whose parents are participating in ACT alcohol and other drug rehabilitation programs.
To conduct a cross-sectoral readiness project to better support people with co-occurring disabilities and alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems to improve their access to the existing and already funded services (as part of the ACT’s program to develop the service system for the new National Disability Insurance Scheme and in alignment with the legislated principles).
To prioritise and strengthen existing specialist primary health care services that already work with disadvantaged populations through the ‘mobile primary health care clinic’ initiative, as per the commitment in the Parliamentary Agreement for the 8^th Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory.
To fully fund the Outpatient Service for Drug and Alcohol Services as per the 2012 ACT Government election commitment.
To fully fund the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Smoking Cessation Program as per the 2012 ACT Government election commitment.
To prevent chronic disease and promote healthy behaviours and workplaces, by supporting health and community services to develop and implement workplace tobacco management policies.
To urgently implement evidence-based, alcohol and other drug specific non-custodial sentencing options adapted to the ACT, in response to the adult prison being over capacity.
To undertake research into justice reinvestment in the ACT, in collaboration with key stakeholders, as per the 2012 ACT Government election policy statement for a Fair, Just and More Equitable Society: Justice and Law Reform.

Click here to download the full submission.

Review all the submissions made to the consultation process (http://www.budgetconsultation.act.gov.au/input-received)

Backing grows for non-custodial penalties
Canberra Times, 6 November 2013
Swift but "modest'' punishments for people with drug and alcohol problems who breach probation conditions could help ease pressure on Canberra's jail, the ACT government has been told.
For more information: See the article

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Additional ACT Policy

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

Recent activities have included:

A health focused consultation conducted by AILC Consulting with ATODA, NSW / ACT Alcohol Policy Alliance (NAAPA), Public Health Association of Australia, and FARE
A consultation conducted by AILC Consulting ACT Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Strategy Evaluation Group
Various NAAPA meetings
NAAPA submission to AILC Consulting

ATODA submission to the ACT Health ‘Options for controlled medicine prescribing in the ACT: Consultation Paper’

Controlled medicines are medicines listed in schedule 8 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP). ATODA made a submission to the ACT Health consultation which looked at options for controlled medicines prescribing and supply in the ACT.

ATODA in principle supported option 3 (to issue standing approval to all eligible prescribers) from the consultation paper. However was concerned that it appears that it will have little impact on the prescribing and dispensing of schedule 8 medicines for the treatment on drug dependence.

ATODA emphasised that the current review and potential changes represent an opportunity to make improvements for people with drug dependencies as well as others who receive Schedule 8 medicines. ATODA is concerned that opportunities to improve the way opioid maintenance treatment is provided has not yet been included in option 3. ATODA also believed that in line with option 3, and broader system developments, a structured early warning system would be highly beneficial.

Read the full submission here.

Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2013

ATODA has been advised that the Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 has been introduced into the ACT Legislative Assembly, which is seeking to increase the Simple Cannabis Offence Notice (SCON) threshold from 25 grams to 50 grams mass under section 171 (1) (a) of the Drugs of Dependence Act 1989. The possession of cannabis for personal use would remain illegal in the ACT.

ATODA supports this important development in drug law reform, and acknowledges that further drug law reform is required in the ACT.

ATODA understands that the most common quantities of cannabis purchased in the ACT for personal use is about 28.35 grams (an imperial ounce). The ACT’s current SCON threshold is low compared to other jurisdictions with similar schemes, such as the Northern Territory (50 grams) and South Australia (100 grams).

ATODA hopes that this SCON threshold will promote more appropriate diversion for personal use of cannabis.

ATODA will be providing comment on the amendment, which is due by 21 November 2013. To provide input please contact Carrie Fowlie on carrie@atoda.org.au

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National Policy

Federal Government to review electronic health records
Australian Government
Federal Health Minister, the Hon Peter Dutton, has announced a review of Australia’s struggling Personally Controlled Electronic Health Records program which has failed to attract enough doctors to participate in the project.
For more information: See the media release

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Sector Development and Events

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

Forum: Children of Prisoners in the ACT
Institute of Child Protection Studies (ICPS), Australian Catholic University (ACU)
This forum is for workers and services who engage with children and young people in the ACT, including schools, youth and family services, community organisations and government agencies. It is also for professionals and services involved in the justice and courts systems, which engage with incarcerated adults who are parents.
Date: 4 December 2013
Time: 9:30am (arrivals and morning tea). Forum: 10am- 12pm
Venue: ACU Canberra Campus, 223 Antill St, Watson
Cost: $15
For more information and to register: Contact Erin Barry by email erin.barry@acu.edu.au or call (02) 6209 1190

International Human Rights Day 2013 – A Centenary of human rights
ACT Human Rights Commission
The International Human Rights Day 2013 will celebrate Canberra's centenary with a discussion about the history of human rights in the capital. Canberra's reputation as a progressive city was confirmed a decade ago with the introduction of the ACT Human Rights Bill 2003, which became the Human Rights Act 2004, the first legislated Bill of Rights in Australia.
The panel includes:

The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG, Former High Court Judge
Dr Tom Calma AO, Deputy Chancellor, University of Canberra and former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and Race Discrimination Commissioner
Professor Hilary Charlesworth AM, Professor of International Law and Human Rights and Director of the Centre for International Governance and Justice, at the Regulatory Institutions Network, ANU

Date: 10 December 2013
Time: 11:30am – 1pm
Venue: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Canberra
For more information and to register: visit the ACT Human Rights Commission or the registration website

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Newsletters, Magazines and Updates

The Loop
National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (NOFASD) Australia.
The Loop contains information about National and International News and Media, latest research and upcoming events related to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
For more information: See the latest issue

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

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 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

National Mental Health Commission Update
National Mental Health Commission
This update includes information about the launch of the 2013 Report Card, call for nominations of National Mental Health Leaders, National Contributing Life Project update and the release of the 2012-13 Annual Report.
For more information: See the latest issue

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Resources and Publications

Grassessment: Evaluate your use of cannabis
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC)
This website hosts a number of online surveys, quizzes and feedback programs aimed to help people learn more about their use of cannabis, and offer information about how reduce personal use.
For more information: Visit the 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 contact ATODA on (02) 6255 4070 or dianna@atoda.org.au as soon as possible to see if places are available
For more information: See the application form, visit the ATODA website

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 last Comorbidity Bus Tour for 2013 11 December – Tour C
For more information: Visit ATODA's website, email julie@atoda.org.au or call (02) 6247 3540

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

Youth Mental Health First-Aid Course
Yurauna Centre
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

Kids Central Toolkit Training
Institute of Child Protection (ICPS), Australian Catholic University (ACU)
The Kids Central Toolkit provides workers with practical ideas and tools to adopt a child and young person centred approach to their work. This two-day workshop introduces participants to the Toolkit and how it can be used. It aims to provide workers with a theoretical and practical context for why it is important to work with children and young people, an overview of how children said they want to be supported, and a series of activities, games and tools to talk about issues such as their needs, hopes and experiences, safety and ‘tough stuff’, and their involvement in services.
Date: 11-12 December 2013
Time: 9:30am – 5pm
Venue: Room S3, Signadou Building, Australian Catholic University, 223 Antil St, Watson
Cost: $440 per person (includes refreshments and a light lunch on both days, a Kids Central Toolkit valued at $90, and a set of Kids Central posters.
For more information and to register: Contact Erin Barry by email erin.barry@acu.edu.au or fax (02) 6209 1216, or visit ACU website

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Conferences and Symposiums

2013 Australian Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Conference
Public Health Association Australia (PHAA), Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE)
The conference will focus on prevention; screening and diagnosis; community and practice; policy and practice; and support for those who are affected by FASD. The event will also outline up to date research and surveillance information and policy implications for FASD in the region.
Date: 19 - 20 November 2013
Cost: $700 Standard registration, $350 One-day registration
Venue: Royal Brisbane and Royal Women’s Education Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Queensland
For more information: Visit the PHAA website, or see the flyer

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

NADA Conference 2014 – Call for abstracts
Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA)
NADA is inviting interested participants to submit an abstract to present at the 2014 NADA Conference: Diversity Driving Innovation in the non-government drug and alcohol sector. The conference will focus on service responses to people with problematic substance use, and complex health and social needs. Abstracts must be submitted by Friday 20 January 2014.
Date: 12-13 May 2014
Venue: The Grace Hotel, Sydney
For more information and to send abstracts: See the flyer, email conference@nada.org.au, or visit the NADA website

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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

Interstate Transfers for Holiday Period: Opioid Treatment Service
Alcohol and Drug Services, ACT Health
Interstate transfers in and out of the Opioid Treatment Service in the ACT will close on 29 November 2013. The last appointments before the closure for new to the Opioid Treatment Service will be 16 December, and 19 December for ongoing clients.
Further information on ATOD service shutdowns during the holidays will be promoted through the end of year eBulletin.

Launch of the “Mothers: 100 Celebrations” project
Toora Women Inc. & Belconnen Child and Family Centre (BCFC)
The “Mothers: 100 Celebrations” project aims to increase the capacity of Toora and the Belconnen Child and Family Centre to engage with women and mothers, through facilitated sessions which support participants to reflects on, and record what they know and value about mothers. Participants also attend movement and music workshops, held at both BCFC and Toora AOD Day Program, designed to celebrate and strengthen the role of mothers and increase feelings of self-worth, along with developing new skills and increased parenting capacity.
Date: 13 November 2013
Time: 12:30 – 2:30pm
Venue: West Belconnen Child and Family Centre, 6 Luke St, Holt
For more information: See the flyer

Dignity in Marginalisation: Negative Cultural Capital and Homeless Young People
Institute of Child Protection Studies (ICPS), Australian Catholic University (ACU)
This presentation examines the ways in which homeless young people find a sense of self-worth and dignity within the conditions of youth homelessness. It notes that, while homeless young people seek a space where they do not feel marginalised and can attain a form of social status and cultural competence, they also engage in practices and acts of defiant independence that appear counter-productive and self-destructive. Drawing on ethnographic research with homeless young people, this research suggests the concept of negative cultural capital is a way of explaining why homeless young people struggle for recognition in ways that collude in reinforcing their marginalisation.
Date: 13 November 2013
Time: 12 – 1pm
Venue: Room S3, Signadou Building, ACU Canberra Campus
Cost: Free
For more information and to register: Contact Erin Barry by email erin.barry@acu.edu.au or call (02) 6209 1190

Seen and Heard: Meaningfully engaging children and young people in research
Institute of Child Protection Studies (ICPS), Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Over the past twenty years, researchers from across Australia have actively engaged children and young people in projects that seek to understand what it is like to be a child, how children experience the world and how they believe things might be improved for children, young people and the community. This think tank brings together a group of experienced children’s researchers to share their insights, raise their concerns and consider how the field of children’s research might continue to expand and develop in times to come.
Date: 28 November 2013
Time: 12:30 – 4:30pm
Venue: Room B8, ACU Canberra Campus
For more information: See the flyer, contact Tim Moore by email tim.moore@acu.edu.au or call (02) 6209 1190

Aboriginal Health Service: After Hours Clinic
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service
Winnunga is trialing an after-hours clinic service through extension of clinic hours on Tuesdays from 5pm to 8pm and Thursdays 5pm to 8pm. The after-hours clinic is targeting people who cannot attend Winnunga GP services during business hours due to other commitments such as employment obligations. The clinic will operate from the Winnunga premises at 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah. A drop in service as well as booked appointments will be available. The drop in service will cease at 7.30pm. No S8 prescribing (ie opiates, methadone, suboxone) will be available through the after-hours clinic.
For more information or to book an appointment: Contact Winnunga on (02) 6284 6222, or see the flyer

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Allied Sectors

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
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: Visit the Youth Coalition website

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Employment and Volunteering Opportunities

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

Alcohol and Other Drug Case Workers
Karralika Programs Inc.
Karralika Programs Inc. is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced workers who have a general empathy for those whose lives have been affected by alcohol and other drug use. The roles will include shift work and may include evenings and weekends.
Closing date: 20 November 2013
For more information or to apply: Contact Kerry Fitzroy by email kerry.f@karralika.org.au or call (02) 6292 2733

Social Health Worker – Youth Detox Program
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service Inc.
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service Inc. is seeking a fulltime experienced Youth Detox Worker to work within the Social Health Team. The successful applicant will have experience working with young people who are trying to detox from drugs or alcohol, the ability to work closely with other services such as, rehabilitation services, other drug and alcohol services and Family and Community Services on case management, initiate case management plans and work closely with other Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service services on developing and implementing case management plans, facilitating and initiating group meetings and support services that involve clients, families and community members.
Closing date: 22 November 2013
For more information: All applications should be addressed and mailed to Julie Tongs, CEO, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Service 63, Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah ACT 2604 or by email to Roseanne.logford@winnunga.org.au.

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

Executive Officer
Mental Illness Education ACT (MIEACT)
The Executive Officer is pivotal to the functioning of MIEACT, providing the organisational management and leadership required to set a culture of valuing and acknowledging the ‘expert’ voice of the personal story of lived experience of mental illness.
An ability to work collaboratively with volunteer mental health consumers and carers is essential. MIEACT is committed to a culture of diversity and inclusivity.
Applications close: 28 November 2013
For more information: See the position description, or visit the MIEACT website

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ACT Media

Alcohol-related news

Man stabbed in Civic fight
Canberra Times, 26 October 2013
An 18-year-old man was stabbed during a large fight opposite King O’Malley’s pub in Civic early on Saturday morning. ACT Policing is seeking witnesses to the incident which involved up to 20 people at about 1.15am. During the altercation the young man received cuts to his arms, chest and head.
For more information: See the article

Plea: tax wine by alcohol content
Canberra Times, 29 October 2013
Taxing wine by its alcohol content would increase annual revenue by $1.3 billion, reduce alcohol consumption by 1.3 per cent and save $820 million in health care costs, according to modelling published in the Medical Journal of Australia.
For more information: See the article

VicHealth study identifies the four types of drinkers
Canberra Times, 31 October 2013
Victorians can be divided into four different groups according to their alcohol consumption, and responsible drinking messages should target them accordingly, new research shows.
For more information: See the article

Drink riding a bike on Canberra streets leads to conviction
Canberra Times, 1 November 2013
A teenager who rode his bicycle drunk through Canberra streets has been convicted, despite protesting that he didn't know "drink-riding" was a crime.
For more information: See the article

More than 1000 drivers caught drink driving in ACT this year
Canberra Times, 6 November 2013
ACT Police will be cracking down on drink driving in Canberra over the next three months, after statistics showed a high number of repeat offenders.
For more information: See the article

Police warn drink-driving blitz to hit streets
Canberra Times, 7 November 2013
Motorists driving under the influence this summer won't escape ACT Policing, after an announcement of a three-month crackdown on drink driving.
For more information: See the article

Woman refuses six breath tests in Queanbeyan
Canberra Times, 7 November 2013
New South Wales Police have charged an 80-year-old woman after she allegedly refused six requests to be breath-tested at Queanbeyan on Thursday.
For more information: See the article

Drug-related news

Man suspected of firing shot through Curtin home’s door
Canberra Times, 16 October 2013
A man suspected of shooting a bullet through a drug dealer’s door during an attempted burglary has been denied bail, after the courts ruled he was a threat to public safety.
For more information: See the article

Spike in illicit drug reports in Canberra
Canberra Times, 17 October 2013
A six-week campaign to increase public awareness of illicit drugs in the ACT has seen a dramatic increase in the number of reports to police.
For more information: See the article

Man who used stolen cards to buy fast food jailed for six years
Canberra Times, 17 October 2013
A man who used stolen credit cards to buy fast food during a month long crime spree across the territory has been jailed for more than six years.
For more information: See the article

Smugglers jailed for importing cocaine in DVD player
ABC News, 30 October 2013
Customs officers alerted police to the incident in 2011 when an X-ray of a DVD player imported from Thailand helped uncover a concealed package of drugs.
For more information: See the article

Drugs, machete, stun-gun seized from Canberra home
ABC News, 30 October 2013
A 52-year-old Canberra woman will face court on multiple drug charges after police seized $20,000 worth of cannabis from her home.
For more information: See the article

Teens misuse painkillers
The Conversation, 1 November 2013
One in ten teenagers or young adults admit to misusing prescription medication to get high, taking more than the prescribed dosage or taking other people’s prescriptions.
For more information: See the article

Some ways to balance the benefits and harms of opioids
The Conversation, 5 November 2013
Matthew Grant, Academis Registrar, Faculty of Medicine at University of Melbourne
The use of opioid medication in Australia has grown considerably in the past 20 years, and so have related harms. This increase in use is primarily for chronic pain conditions, now the most common reason for opioid prescription.
For more information: See the article

New Silk Road online drug bazaar opens
Canberra Times, 7 November 2013
A new anonymous internet marketplace for illegal drugs has debuted with the same name and appearance as the Silk Road website shut down by US law enforcement a month ago.
For more information: See the article

Drugs seized in Hackett raid
Canberra Times, 8 November 2013
ACT Policing have seized a large haul of drugs and illegal weapons during a raid on a Hackett house on Friday morning.
Police said that among the items confiscated were drugs suspected to be cocaine and methamphetamines, heroin, 1kg of cannabis, illegal bladed weapons and a quantity of ammunition.
For more information: See the article

What do young people gain from drug use?
The Conversation, 9 November 2013
Joanne Bryant, Senior Research Fellow at University of NSW
Sarah MacLean, Academic, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at University of Melbourne
The idea that illicit drugs could hold value in the lives of young people is bewildering to most people, who tend to assume that illicit drug use is necessarily destructive. This becomes even more distressing for many when the young people involved are still teenagers.
For more information: See the article

Violent home invader given six months to go straight
Canberra Times, 12 November 2013
A Yass man who viciously assaulted his victim during a drug-fuelled home invasion to prove himself to friends has six months to go straight, or spend two years behind bars.
For more information: See the article

Hobbies keep drugs away
The Conversation, 12 November 2013
Teenagers who participate in hobbies, such as sport or music, are less likely to engage in risky behaviours such as drinking or drug taking.
For more information: See the article

Tobacco-related news

Call to scan smokers for lung cancer
Canberra Times, 29 October 2013
Screening heavy smokers annually for lung cancer could save 1500 lives a year in Australia - but could also lead to scores of false positive results and unnecessary biopsies, doctors say.
For more information: See the article

Screening smokers could double rate of survival
Canberra Times, 29 October 2013
Associate Professor Paul Mitchell, a senior oncologist at the Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre, said annual low-dose CT scans of long-term smokers aged over 55 would undoubtedly lead to earlier detection of lung cancer, improving treatment options and survival rates.
For more information: See the article

Smokers lose out as Abbott tweaks tax
Canberra Times, 6 November 2013
About 16,000 higher-end superannuation earners will benefit from government moves to clarify tax laws by either ditching or finally enacting long-intended changes.
But smokers have not been so lucky and will pay up to $2.50 more for a packet of 20 cigarettes from December 1.
For more information: See the article

Total smoking bans aren’t the answer to better prisoner health
The Conversation, 11 November 2013
Ross MacKenzie, Lecturer in Health Studies at Macquarie University
The ban is being promoted as a public health measure, to improve the health of this population group. But it’s difficult to overlook the punitive nature of this move and the removal of prisoners' rights to make this decision for themselves. It’s also unclear whether such a scheme could actually rid prisons of tobacco.
For more information: See the article

Other news

ACT hospitals finish last in emergency department wait times
Canberra Times, 18 October 2013
Patients in Canberra's emergency departments are waiting up to 28 minutes longer for treatment than patients in other states.
For more information: See the article

Expanding headspace raises concerns
Canberra Times, 20 October 2013
The overseas expansion of headspace, the youth mental health service, has prompted claims Australia's $420 million investment in early intervention is an untested ''hopeful experiment'' corporatising the treatment of mentally ill young people.
For more information: See the article

HIV increase at 20-year high
Canberra Times, 20 October 2013
Australia has had the biggest jump in new HIV cases in two decades, leading experts to call for urgent action to tackle the disease.
For more information: See the article

A historic moment for equality in the Territory
ACT Government, 22 October 2013
People in a same sex relationship are now able to have their love and commitment to each other legally recognised in the same way that people in a heterosexual relationship are able to, after historic legislation was passed in the ACT Legislative Assembly today.
For more information: See the media release

Government rejected call for bigger ACT prison
Canberra Times, 26 October 2013
The ACT government dismissed a second report urging it to build a vastly larger prison, instead cutting costs and pushing ahead with a 300-bed jail that is now facing chronic overcrowding issues.
For more information: See the article

Domestic abuse rates in ACT soar
Canberra Times, 27 October 2013
Reports of domestic violence have surged by almost 50 per cent over the past five years, leaving women at risk as Canberra's crisis service struggles to meet the increasing demand.
For more information: See the article

Experts say Canberra youth health units a must
Canberra Times, 2 November 2013
Mental health experts say it is ''certainly not appropriate'' that 16-year-olds continue to be hospitalised in adult mental health units in Canberra, more than eight years after the government acknowledged a lack of specialised inpatient services was impacting on the safety of young people.
For more information: See the article

Inmate numbers force jail review
Canberra Times, 4 November 2013
Overcrowding at Canberra's prison has forced the government to consider a home detention program that may see inmates fitted with electronic tracking bracelets and released from custody.
For more information: See the article

Social stigma works against educational gambling ads
Canberra Times, 5 November 2013
Slogans such as ''gamble responsibly'' could make problem gamblers feel stigmatised and less likely to seek counselling, according to new research.
For more information: See the article

Indigenous women take hands-on role in health
Canberra Times, 6 November 2013
It is the largest group of Aboriginal people to graduate from a university medical faculty at one time.
For more information: See the article

Violence against ambos ‘the tip of the iceberg’
Canberra Times, 6 November 2013
New reports of violence against paramedics are just the "tip of the iceberg", according to ambulance union.
For more information: See the article

No resources for human rights audit of Canberra jail
ABC News, 6 November 2013
ACT human rights commissioner Helen Watchirs wants to audit Canberra’s jail but says she does not have the resources.
For more information: See the article

Struggling rights agencies may merge
Canberra Times, 7 November 2013
The ACT's human rights agencies could be merged to help them deal with an escalating case load, a Legislative Assembly committee has heard.
For more information: See the article

HIV ‘invisbility cloak’ allows virus to evade immune system
The Conversation, 7 November 2013
Andrew Naughtie, Assistant section editor, The Conversation
HIV uses an “invisibility cloak” made up of a host body’s own cells, a team of researchers has found, in a discovery that represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the virus and could lead to new ways of fighting it.
For more information: See the article

Cop injured after attack by homeless man
Canberra Times, 9 November 2013
Police used capsicum spray on a homeless man after he attacked an officer at the Canberra Hospital on Friday night.
For more information: See the article

Debate surrounds the headspace model of mental health services
Canberra Times, 10 November 2013
Australia’s new model of early support for youth at risk is dividing mental health experts.
For more information: See the article

Helping hand saved teen from living nightmare
Canberra Times, 10 November 2013
Once the bullying began, Cassie's teen years were overshadowed by self-harm, several suicide attempts, and a stay in an adolescent psychiatric ward. She credits the federal government-funded headspace initiative with helping to save her life.
For more information: See the article

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