National Projects

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

Consultation Forum: Development of a Quality Framework for Australian Government Funded Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services
Turning Point Eastern Health and ATODA
 
ACT ATOD services (particularly those who are grant recipients from the Australian Government Department of Health) and stakeholders are invited to the phase 2 of consultation on the development of a quality framework for Australian Government funded drug and alcohol treatment services (the project). The project aims to inform the Australian Government Department of Health about potential ways in which they can better determine what represents ‘quality’ in the ATOD sector, and to support services’ own development of quality and evidence-based practice. This forum is an ACT Grant Recipients Network activity. The project is being conducted by Turning Point Eastern Health and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health.
 
Date: Friday 2 May 2014
Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Venue: Griffin Centre, Genge St, Canberra City
Flyer: http://www.atoda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/QFforumflyerfinal.pdf
RSVP: Please contact Amanda Bode on amanda@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070
 

New Working Papers: Review of the Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Services Sector
Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP)

The review will clarify Australian drug and alcohol treatment and prevention funding; current and future service needs; the gap between met and unmet demand; and planning and funding processes for the future.

Working Paper 7:  Australian Alcohol and Drug Treatment Spending
The seventh working paper provides an estimate of the total spending on alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment in Australia (which we estimate to be about $1.1 billion per annum) and examines the respective contributions of different funders.
 
Working Paper 8: Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Utilisation in Australia
The eighth working paper presents an estimate of the number of people who currently receive alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment in Australia, who they are and how many treatment services they use; all foundation information for planning.
 
Working Paper 9: Planning Processes for Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment in Australia
The ninth working paper examines planning issues for AOD treatment in Australia, drawing on key informant interviews and research literature.
 
The DPMP is seeking feedback on any of the working papers. Feedback should be submitted by to Alison Ritter at alison.ritter@unsw.edu.au by 30 April 2014.
For more information: See the ATODA website and the DPMP website

 back to top

National Policy

Consultation: Draft National Strategies for Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections
Australian Government, Department of Health
The draft strategies support a coordinated effort across HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and STI, while at the same time addressing unique disease or population specific approaches and issues.  Common features include priority populations, risk factors and guiding principles.  All strategies include priority actions in the areas of prevention; testing; management, care and support; workforce; removing barriers; and surveillance, research and evaluation.  The draft Strategies are now available for public comment. 
Submissions close: 2 May 2014
For more information: Visit the Department of Health website, or email bbvcti@health.gov.au
ATODA will be making a submission, to contribute please contact Carrie Fowlie on carrie@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070.
 
Consultation: AOD Training Package Review
Community Services & Health Industry Skills Council (CSHISC)
A consultation on draft two of the existing Certificate and Diploma level AOD qualifications is currently underway.
Consultation closes: 5 May 2014
For more information: Visit the CSHISC website, email cip@cshisc.com.au, or call (02) 8226 6635
ATODA will be making a submission, to contribute please contact Carrie Fowlie on carrie@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070.
 
ANCD March 2014 Communiqué
Australian National Council on Drugs
The ANCD met in Canberra in late March 2014 and members discussed and determined action on a number of matters.
For more information: See the Communiqué, or visit the ANCD website
 
NIDAC April Meeting Communiqué 2014
National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee
Committee meetings and targeted consultations with peak bodies and key stakeholders involved in addressing the harmful effects of AOD use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are held in a different State or Territory every four months. Through these meetings and consultations, NIDAC is able to ensure that the views of the sector are considered as part of its advice.
For more information: See the Communiqué, or visit the NIDAC website
 
FARE Annual Alcohol Poll: Attitudes and Behaviours
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE)
Now in its fifth year, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education's (FARE) Annual Alcohol Poll: Attitudes and Behaviours, has expanded in scope to further explore consumption patterns, negative behaviours, social expectations, and perceptions of safety.
Some key findings from the Poll this year include:

• An increasing and overwhelming majority of Australians (78%) believe Australia has a problem with excess drinking or alcohol abuse
• More than one in three Australians (37%) have been affected by alcohol-related violence
• 4.2 million Australians continue to drink to get drunk
• For the first time, violence (81%) was considered to be the problem that Australians were most concerned about
• The majority of Australians (79%) believe more needs to be done
• 64% of Australians believe Governments are not doing enough to reduce harms

For more information: Download the Report, or see the media release, the Canberra Times article

 back to top
 
Oxycontin^® has changed
 
A new formulation of the opioid analgesic OxyContin^®  is replacing existing Australian stocks of the medication from 1 April 2014. The new formulation is designed to prevent injecting.
 
Oxycontin® Reformulation- Effective 1 April 2014
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Information for pharmacists regarding the changes is available here.

Information about the OxyContin^® reformulation
Australian Drug Foundation
OxyContin^® 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg tablets will now:

• Be formulated with a hydro-gelling property (i.e. particles or whole tablets will become gel-like in water)
• Retain controlled release properties even as a gel
• Be strengthened, and resistant to crushing

This new formulation has been developed by the pharmaceutical company so that tablets are resistant both to manipulation and unsanctioned routes of administration (misuse).The new tablets look very similar to the old ones and are the same colour. The key difference is that the new ones have OP imprinted on the tablet instead of OC.

Original stock may be dispensed until pharmacy stock is depleted, so it’s likely the impact will occur over the next few weeks.
 
What AOD workers can expect to see
From a webinar by the Australasian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM) with Dr Marianne Jauncey from Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre
As a result of this change AOD workers might expect to see:

• Client distress associated with opioid withdrawal due to them not being able to inject reformulated Oxycontin^®.           
• Acute harms if they inject – watch out for local harms such as swelling/pain/infection at injection site as well as potential for chest pain and breathlessness. 

Any client who has chest pain/breathlessness after injecting should go immediately to Accident and Emergency for review in case of pulmonary embolus (blocked artery in the lung).

• Clients switching to other drugs, such as heroin or fentanyl. Overdose risk is higher with these drugs compared to Oxycontin^®, especially fentanyl.
• Clients switching to other non-opioid drugs, such as psycho-stimulants (ice, speed, other amphetamines), and behavioural issues associated with these drugs.
• Potential increased interest in treatment. 

How AOD workers can respond

• Advising clients not to inject the reformulated Oxycontin^®, with the OP imprint on the tablet.
• Being ready and prepared for clients seeking treatment for harms associated with use of OP tablets and/or Oxycontin^® withdrawal.

 
Harm Reduction Information: Oxycontin Reformulation
Regen Uniting Care with the Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL) & the Western Australian Substance Users' Association (WASUA).
Brief and initial harm reduction information about the Oxycontin^® is available in this flyer
 
Oxycodone: The factors behind Australians’ increasing use of ‘hillbilly heroin’
ABC News, 7 April 2014 
Over the past 10 years, the number of prescriptions for pharmaceutical opioids in Australia has soared, and prescriptions for one drug in particular, oxycodone, have shown a significant increase. Both are trends that have the nation’s medical community very concerned.
For more information: See the article

National Pharmaceutical Drug Misuse Framework for Action 2012 - 2015
Within the context of the National Drug Strategy 2010-2015, the National Pharmaceutical Drug Misuse Framework for Action identifies national priorities and provides a guide for actions to minimise the harms to individuals, families and communities from pharmaceutical drug misuse. The goals of the Framework are:

• To reduce the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs and associated harms in Australia; and
• To enhance the quality use of pharmaceutical drugs without stigmatisation or limiting their accessibility for therapeutic use. 

 back to top

Sector Development, Events and Activities
 
Drink Tank Forum
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE)
Drink Tank will have a public forum to examine the ways in which alcohol brands promote alcohol on Facebook, and the implications of such unregulated and powerful promotion.
The night will include a feature presentation from Dr Nicholas Carah from the University of Queensland who will discuss his soon-to-be released findings into the ways in with the alcohol industry uses Facebook. Mumbrella Content Director, Tim Burrowes, YWCA Canberra Director of Corporate Relations & Communications, Joanna Allebone, and Zoo Advertising’s Head of Digital, Angelo Paonne will join Dr Carah in a discussion that will examine:

• How alcohol brands, and innovative digital advertisers use social media to their advantage
• The difficulties in regulating consumer created content around brands on Facebook
• The concerns around the current lack of regulation in online/social media

 Date: 1 May 2014
Time:  6:30 – 8:30pm
Venue: Law Theatre, Fellows Rd, Australian National University, Canberra
Cost: Free
RSVP: By 25 April 2014
For more information or to register: See the flyer, visit Drink Tank website, email stefany.spyropoulos@fare.org.au, or call (02) 6122 8600

 back to top

Service Delivery

Ted Noffs Foundation City Programs Relocation
Due to the fire in the Sydney Building, the Ted Noffs Foundation city-based programs have been temporarily relocated to the Junction Youth Health Service, Cooyong St, Canberra City. 
For further information please contact the Ted Noffs Foundation by phone (02) 6218 6700 or email coop@noffs.org.au for the Street University Program and calmact@noffs.org.au for the Continuing Adolescent Life Management  (CALM) Program

 back to top

Newsletters, Magazines and Updates

Of Substance eBulletin: Re-subscription required
Australian National Council on Drugs
Of Substance magazine provides people working with alcohol and other drug problems with information about the latest research, work practices, policies and emerging drug issues.
To continue to receive Of Substance magazine free of charge, it is essential to re-subscribe now at www.ofsubstance.org.au/subscribe.
 
The Loop
National Organisation for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
The Loop contains information about Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders such as National and New Zealand news, resources, latest research and up coming events.
For more information: See the last issue 
 
Prison Issues Update (PIU)
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD)
PIU provides material from Australia and overseas related to substance use and rehabilitation in prisons and the criminal justice system.
For more information: See the March issue  

 back to top

Resources and Publications

New Alcohol Factsheets
McCusker Centre for Action on Alcohol and Youth (MCAAY)
The McCusker Centre for Action on Alcohol and Youth has released a series of 6 factsheets on alcohol and young people. The factsheets are summaries of the latest facts and stats on key alcohol issues, including:

• Australia’s drinking patterns and harms 
• Alcohol and young people
• Alcohol advertising 
• Alcohol and violence 
• Policy solutions to preventing harm 

For more information: Visit the MCAAY website, or call (08) 9266 9079
 
Fact Sheet on Alcohol Use in Rural Australia
National Rural Health Alliance, National Alliance for Action on Alcohol (NAAA)
The National Rural Health Alliance have produced, in collaboration with the NAAA, a new fact sheet on alcohol use in rural Australia.
For more information: See the fact sheet, or visit the National Rural Health Alliance website 
 
Feed Safe 
Australian Breastfeeding Association, Reach Health Promotion Innovations, Curtin University
Feed Safe is an free application available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch that contains answers to most common questions about alcohol and breastfeeding. It also includes a timer, an Australian standard drinks guide and contact numbers for Alcohol and Drug Information Services around Australia.
For more information: Visit the Feed Safe website, or visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association website 

ATOD related eBooks launched
Australian Drug Foundation (ADF)
ADF SEARCH is making quality information even more accessible by providing a wide range of eBook titles. The eBook collection covers a variety of topics of interest to people working or studying in the field of alcohol and other drugs.
For more information: See the ADF Info Alert, or visit the ADF website

 back to top

Training and Professional Development

ACT Comorbidity Bus Tours
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The Comorbidity Bus Tour seeks to increase the capacity of frontline workers to support people experiencing co-occurring ATOD and mental health issues (comorbidity). The Comorbidity Bus Tour visits a variety of services in the ACT from the alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD), mental health and youth sectors.
The next Comorbidity Bus Tour for 2014 will be Tour B on 30 April 2014.
For more information: Visit ATODA's website, email bustours@youthcoalition.net or call (02) 6247 3540

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

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Retention
ACT Council of Social Science (ACTCOSS)
This presentation is an opportunity to learn how to identify and implement strong cultural protocols around identifying recruitment and retention issues within your organisation.
Date: 21 May 2014
Time:  9:30am – 11:30am
Venue: Level 1 meeting room, Weston Community Hub, 1/6 Gritten St, Weston
Cost: Free
For more information or to register: Visit the Eventbrite website, email actcoss@actcoss.org.au, or call (02) 6202 7200
 
Engaging People to Talk about Problem Gambling Issues
ACT Gambling and Racing Commission
Many people with gambling problems seek help for other problems such as financial difficulties, relationship, housing, mental health or drug and alcohol problems before seeking help for their gambling problems.  It is likely that community sector workers in these non gambling specific areas will encounter people with gambling problems.  This training will increase awareness and skills for these workers equipping them to help their clients begin the process of change.
Date: 24 April 2014
Time: 9am – 4:30pm
Venue: Woden CIT, Ainsworth St, Phillip
Cost: Free
For more information or to register: Contact Alex Ingham by email alexander.ingham@act.gov.au, or call (02) 6207 0305

Also see the Subsidised alcohol, tobacco and other drug training – May 2014; and ACT ATOD Qualification Strategy detailed in the ATODA News section

 back to top

Conferences and Symposiums

Australasian Therapeutic Communities Association (ATCA) Conference 2014 : Registration and Call for Abstracts
Australasian Therapeutic Communities Association (ATCA)
An international conference bringing together professionals working in therapeutic communities, researchers and clinicians in the AOD field and affiliated areas. This year Conference program includes renowned keynote and plenary speakers Professor Amanda Baker; Steve Ella, NSW Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Traineeship Coordinator; Associate Professor David Best; and Dr Bosco Rowland.
Closing date for abstract submission is 30 June 2014.
Date: 13-17 October 2014
Venue: Coogee Crowne Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Cost:  Before 1 July 2014: Member $575, Non-member $625
For more information: Visit the Conference website, email atca@atca.com.au, or call 0422 904 040
 
2014 ATDC Conference
Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tas Inc. (ATDC)
This year theme Setting the Scene for the Future will open debate on important alcohol, tobacco and other drug issues and provide conference delegates with the opportunity to focus upon the future of the ATOD sector in this time of change.
Date: 7 - 8 May 2014
Venue: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, Tasmania
Cost: Member $545, Non-member $595, Students $275
For more information: See the program, visit the ATDC website, or call (03) 6231 5002
 
2014 NADA Conference
Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA)
The 2014 NADA Conference: Diversity Driving Innovation in the non government drug and alcohol sector will focus on service responses to people with problematic substance use and complex health and social needs. Hear from experts in the field, as well as the practice wisdom of other service providers.
Date: 12 - 13 May 2014
Cost: NADA Members $385, Non-Members $430
Venue: The Grace Hotel, Sydney
For more information: Visit the Conference website, see the Program, or email conference@nada.org.au

Abstracts Open: APSAD Conference 2014 
The Australian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD)
The 2014 APSAD Scientific Program Committee invites the submission of abstracts for original work in consideration for symposia at the APSAD 2014 Conference. 
Date: 9 - 12 November 2014
Venue: The Adelaide Convention Centre
For more information or to submit an abstract: See the flyer, or visit the Conference website
  National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC)
This year's Conference theme is “What Works: Doing it our Way”. It will provide a platform for an inspiring program showcasing what is working within the AOD sector to address the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs and its associated harms among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Date: 4 – 6 June 2014
Venue: Grand Hyatt, Melbourne
Cost: Speaker Registration $600, Standard Registration $750; Day Registration $320
For more information: See the program, the media release, or visit the Conference website

 back to top

Grants and Funding Opportunities

ACT Health Promotion Innovation Grant
ACT Health, ACT Government
The Health Promotion Innovation Fund invites applications for grants of up to $15,000 for innovative health promotion projects to support the ACT Government’s goal of achieving a healthier weight profile in the ACT population. It has a particular focus on achieving this outcome in children. This includes improving eating habits and increasing physical activity.
In addition, projects which support smoking prevention, reduction in hazardous alcohol consumption and healthy active ageing will be considered. 
Closing date: 20 June 2014
For more information: See the Health Promotion Innovation Grants Guidelines, visit the ACT Health website, email hpgrants@act.gov.au, or call (02) 6205 1325
 
Jetstar’s Flying Start Programme
Jetstar
Jetstar’s Flying Start Programme invites community groups and organisations across Australia to apply for a grant for $30,000, made up of $15,000 cash and $15,000 worth of travel with Jetstar, to fund a project that will enrich the lives of people in their local community.
Closing date: 30 June 2014
For more information: See the application form, or visit the Jetstar website

 back to top

Youth, Mental Health and Allied Sectors

eMHPrac: Enhancing the Use of Online Mental Health Resources in Primary Care
Australian Government
eMHPrac is an Australian government initiative promoting use of e-mental health resources in primary care. eMHPrac involves general practitioners, allied health workers and indigenous health workers. Collaborative partners include Queensland University of Technology, The Australian National University, The Black Dog Institute, Menzies School of Health Research and University Centre for Rural Health, The University of Sydney. The team of researchers from ANU is focusing on allied health workers and mental health and general practice nurses that work in primary care.  They will be delivering training through face-to-face workshops, online and webinars.
 
They are currently conducting the first of three annual surveys to explore workers' existing awareness and use of the resources. To read about or participate in the survey, please follow this link: https://mentalhealth.anu.edu.au/emhprac-2014-survey
 
For more information: Contact Andrew Staniforth, eMHPrac Clinical Project Officer, ANU Centre for Mental Health Research, by email andrew.staniforth@anu.edu.au, or see the survey Information Sheet

 back to top

Consumer Participation

Flipside
Association of Participating Service Users
Flipside is a quarterly published newsletter that contains articles, stories, and poetry written by people who use or have used alcohol and other drug treatment services.
For more information: See the latest issue
 
Hep Review Magazine 
Hepatitis NSW
Hep Review Magazine provides news, information, posters, opinion and referrals about hepatitis B and C.
For more information: See the latest issue
 
 back to top

Employment and Volunteering Opportunities

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

Project Officer - Part time
Family Drug Support (FDS)
Family Drug Support is seeking a Project Officer for the ‘Bridging the Divide’ Project 3.5 days per week (that will cover areas including the ACT). The role is to create partnerships with drug treatment services to increase their capacity to work effectively with families. The primary aim is to improve the efficacy of drug treatment by involving and supporting families of the drug user. 
For more information: email admin@fds.ngo.org.au, or call (02) 4782 9222

 back to top

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

Alcohol-related news

Majority of Australians think nation has problem with alcohol
Canberra Times, 25 March 2014
Almost four in five Australians think the nation has a problem with alcohol, and more than three quarters believe Australia's battle with the bottle will not get better over the next decade, according to new polling.
For more information: See the article
 
Junk food and alcohol exposure more prevalent during sports broadcasts than advertising, study finds
Canberra Times, 27 March 2014
Television viewers are being exposed to far more alcohol and junk food advertising during AFL and cricket matches than in commercial breaks, an analysis has shown.
For more information: See the article

Thieves steal beer
Canberra Times, 30 March 2014
Thieves have made off with a distinct brand of beer after breaking into the Abbey Function Centre in Nicholls.
For more information: See the article
 
Man caught drink-driving three times in five hours
Canberra Times, 31 March 2014
A 30-year-old Crace man who was allegedly caught drink-driving on three separate occasions within five hours has faced court.
For more information: See the article
 
Canberra drink driver caught three times in five hours
ABC News ACT, 31 March 2014
A man has been caught drink driving three times in five hours in Canberra.
For more information: See the article
 
Drunk driver leads police on 150km/h chase around Parliament House
Canberra Times, 3 April 2014  
A drunk driver has reached speeds of 150km/h during an early-morning police chase that took him around Parliament House and along two of Canberra's main avenues.
For more information: See the article
 
Paramedics cannot force treatment: court
Canberra Times, 4 April 2014  
A Canberra court has found paramedics have no authority to force people to receive medical treatment.
For more information: See the article
 
Court told drinking preceded fatal crash
Canberra Times, 5 April 2014  
A Macgregor man accused of killing his friend in a crash had been drinking at a party shortly before the accident, a court has heard.
For more information: See the article
 
Driving charge due to ‘skin issue’
Canberra Times, 5 April 2014  
A Chifley man said medication taken for a rare skin condition was to blame for his decision to drive with alcohol in his system while disqualified.
For more information: See the article
 
Man acquitted of culpable driving in crash that killed his friend
Canberra Times, 8 April 2014  
A Macgregor man has been acquitted of culpable driving for a crash that claimed the life of his friend.
For more information: See the article
 
Thomas Robins acquitted of culpable driving
Canberra Times, 9 April 2014  
A Macgregor man has been acquitted of culpable driving for a crash that claimed the life of his friend.
For more information: See the article
 
Half of Australian teenagers avoiding alcohol: study
ABC News ACT, 10 April 2014  
A rising number of Australian teenagers are choosing not to drink alcohol, new research shows.
For more information: See the article

Alcohol losing its attraction for teenagers
Canberra Times, 10 April 2014  
The number of teen teetotallers has increased dramatically over the past decade, with more than half now abstaining from alcohol, according to research by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre.
For more information: See the article

Break-up sparks assault, Magistrates Court told
Canberra Times, 13 April 2014  
A Canberra man has been refused bail after he allegedly assaulted and detained his former girlfriend in an alcohol-fuelled attack, two days after she had broken up with him.
For more information: See the article
 
Drinkers in danger rate their usage as average, study finds
Canberra Times, 14 April 2014  
Australians are in denial about their alcohol use, tens of thousands are potentially drinking at risky levels and those in the most danger are seemingly clueless they have a problem, the Global Drug Survey has found.
For more information: See the article


Drug-related news
Senate poll in WA: Scott Ludlam’s hopes may go up in smoke
Canberra Times, 24 March 2014
The Greens senator's campaign for re-election in WA has been hit by claims he is actually a social conservative on one important issue to many young people: the legalisation of marijuana and other drugs.
For more information: See the article
 
Higher fees, less hours to sell tobacco proposed for ACT
Canberra Times, 31 March 2014
The ACT Government is considering a big hike in licence fees to sell tobacco, suggesting fees could be doubled or more this year, with substantial increases each year to follow.
For more information: See the article
 
No ifs, no butts, Canberra Hospital to be totally smoke-free
Canberra Times, 6 April 2014  
Smoking will be banned entirely on Canberra Hospital grounds from September, as the ACT government continues moves to wipe out cigarette use.
For more information: See the article

Study of indigenous smokers provides new strategies for quit campaigns
Canberra Times, 6 April 2014  
Celebrity endorsements do little to sell the quit-smoking message to indigenous communities, but researchers have found that examples set by family and friends who stub out have a big impact on those around them.
For more information: See the article
 
Smokers defy bans at Canberra Hospital
Canberra Times, 13 April 2014  
Canberra Hospital’s smoking bans are being widely flouted, with nearly 600 people on campus cautioned for lighting up in forbidden areas.
For more information: See the article

 
Other news 
 
Transgender people will be able to alter birth certificates
The Canberra Times, 17 March 2014
Transgender people in Canberra are set for a landmark win when the ACT government passes laws allowing them to change the sex on their birth certificate.
For more information: See the article
 
Opposition claims ACT not prepared for official start of National Disability Insurance Scheme
ABC News ACT, 18 March 2014
The Canberra Liberals say the ACT is not prepared for the scheduled start of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) later this year.
For more information: See the article
 
ACT Government to spend $2.7 million on design work to expand Canberra’s prison
ABC News ACT, 20 March 2014
The ACT Government is spending $2.7 million on design work to permanently expand Canberra's jail.
For more information: See the article
 
ACT to spend $2.77m on prison expansion
Canberra Times, 20 March 2014
The government has announced almost $3 million for detailed design work to permanently expand the ACT's crowded prison.
For more information: See the article

Recognition for sex and gender diverse community members
ACT Government, 20 March 2014
The legal recognition of sex and gender diverse people in the ACT has been enhanced with the passing of new legislation, Attorney-General, Simon Corbell said. 
For more information: See the media release

Partnership the key to improving outcomes for ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
ACT Government, 20 March 2014
The fourth annual report to the ACT Government by the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body will provide important guidance for the coming 12 months, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Shane Rattenbury said.
For more information: See the media release
 
Health is the priority on National Close the Gap Day
ACT Government, 20 March 2014
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Shane Rattenbury, re-affirmed the ACT Government's commitment to closing the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our city as part of National Close the Gap Day.
For more information: See the media release
 
Funding to progress additional prison facilities
ACT Government, 20 March 2014
Work is progressing on design for additional prison facilities at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC), with funding announced for the development of tender-ready design documents, announced Minister for Corrections, Shane Rattenbury.
For more information: See the media release
 
New programs to support the ACT community sector
ACT Government, 24 March 2014
The Community Sector Development Program, launched today, will provide community sector organisations with support in key governance and structural areas.
For more information: See the media release
 
New ways needed to arrest indigenous imprisonment rates
Canberra Times, 26 March 2014
Aborigines make up 2.5 per cent of the Australian adult population, but account for 26 per cent of all adult Australian prisoners.
For more information: See the article

Huge shortfall predicted in disability housing as NDIS is introduced
ABC News ACT, 28 March 2014
The full introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is expected to prompt huge demand for disability-friendly housing.
For more information: See the article

Crime blowout: $10m repeat offenders bill
Canberra Times, 30 March 2014
Repeat criminals are costing the ACT an estimated $10 million-plus a year in court and police costs, with nearly half the prisoners released from Canberra's jail returning within two years, according to new figures.
For more information: See the article

Correction order shift as weekend detention phased out
Canberra Times, 31 March 2014
The ACT government is planning to abolish weekend detention as a way for Canberra criminals to serve time.
For more information: See the article

Homelessness deal: Push for long-term agreement after Kevin Andrews announces $115m funding package
ABC News ACT, 31 March 2014
Charities are urging federal and state governments to come together to develop a long-term plan to address the housing shortage and reduce homelessness.
For more information: See the article
 
Aboriginal health group warns against changes to Racial Discrimination Act
ABC News ACT, 2 April 2014  
Indigenous health groups have levelled a warning at the Federal Government that planned changes to federal race discrimination laws could impact on the health of Aboriginal patients.
For more information: See the article

Reshaping ACT’s disability services
ACT Government, 3 April 2014  
The ACT will lead the nation on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, becoming the first jurisdiction in Australia to accept all eligible people into the NDIS and almost doubling the size of the disability sector workforce.
For more information: See the media release
 
Funding for Mental Health
Australian Government, 4 April 2014  
The Australian Government has provided $170 million for the continuation of 150 programs as part of ongoing commitment to mental health
For more information: See the media release

ACT moving on NDIS, but plenty still to do
Canberra Times, 5 April 2014  
Resources freed up by the ACT government's withdrawal from specialist disability services should be redeployed to improve quality of life and social inclusion for Canberrans awaiting the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
For more information: See the article

NDIS eligibility rules may deny hundreds help, says advocate Ian Rentsch
Canberra Times, 7 April 2014  
Hundreds of mentally ill Canberrans may struggle to access their entitlements under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, advocates say.
For more information: See the article

Bitter rift on youth mental health provider headspace
Canberra Times, 13 April 2014  
A major rift within national youth mental health service headspace has erupted, with one of its founding board members publicly raising questions about how the organisation is run and whether it is reaching the vulnerable young people it was set up to help.
For more information: See the article

ACT plans nation’s first suicide prevention safe-house
Canberra Times, 14 April 2014  
Australia's first suicide-safe house will be set up in the ACT if a nationwide appeal to be launched on Monday is successful.
For more information: See the article

 back to top