ATODA eBulletin - November 2014

In the November 2014 Edition

ATODA News / WWVP Background Checks / Workers Group / EGs Group / Naltrexone / Medicinal Cannabis / ACT Policy / National Policy / Sector Development / Service Delivery / Newsletters / Resources / Training / Conferences /
Employment / Consumer Participation / Media

News from ATODA

ATODA Submission to the consultation for the ACT Budget 2015 - 2016

ATODA made a submission to the ACT Budget Consultation 2015 – 2016. This submission was developed through regular discussions and a consultation survey undertaken with the sector and other stakeholders. The following priorities are outlined:

Addressing service gaps through reducing waiting times for drug treatment
Developing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alcohol, tobacco and other drug workforce
ACT alcohol, tobacco and other drug service user census and satisfaction survey
Alcohol, tobacco and other drug worker post-graduate scholarship scheme
Stage 2: Implementing Expanded Naloxone Availability in the ACT
Addressing services gaps by expanding needle and syringe program delivery modalities
Workplace tobacco management in services that support disadvantaged people
Subsidised Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for smokers from priority populations accessing health services
Evidence-informed drug driving public education campaigns
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tobacco control
Outpatient services for drug and alcohol services
Developing a comprehensive response to the increasing harms from crystalline methamphetamine use
To improve outcomes for families and children by addressing parental alcohol and drug problems in the context of the Out of Home Care Strategy 2015 – 2020 and the Care and Protection system more broadly

For more information: See ATODA’s submission to the ACT 2015-16 Budget Consultation, email carrie@atoda.org.au or call (02) 6255 4070

ATODA’s 5th Annual General Meeting 2014

The Fifth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT Inc. (ATODA) will be held at the ANU Commons Function Centre, Rimmer St, Canberra on Thursday 27 November 2014 at 9:00am to 9.30am. For further details please visit the ATODA website

The Canberra Collaboration: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Symposium
ATODA, The Australian National University, University of Canberra, Australian Catholic University and supported by ACT Health

This symposium aims to gather ACT based cross-institutional researchers, services, workers, policy makers and consumers to showcase recent ACT ATOD research activities.

The research presented is aligned with key ATOD sector and ACT Government policy priorities including:

Reforms to the care and protection system including the new Out of Home Care Strategy
Updating the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tobacco Control Strategy
The revision of the model of care for the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm

The symposium will also include an “ice epidemic” panel and workshop focused on better understanding the use of, and our treatment responses to, crystalline methamphetamines in the ACT.

Date:       Thursday 27 November 2014
Time:       9:30am – 12:45pm (followed by a networking lunch until 1:30pm)
Venue:    ANU Commons, Rimmer St, Canberra City
RSVP:     Essential to carrie@atoda.org.au
Cost:       Free for ATODA members, consumers & families and student. $30 for all others.

A program is being finalised and will be distributed shortly.

See other ATODA news throughout the ebulletin.

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Working with Vulnerable People Background Checking Scheme

ATODA has consistently stated that people with “lived experience”, including employees and volunteers, are an inherent and valued part of the alcohol, tobacco and other drug sector (as is the case in other sectors, such as mental health). If these people and their knowledge, experience and credibility were lost through unintended consequences of the Working with Vulnerable People Background Checking Scheme, it would undermine our sector’s viability.

Improvements to the Working with Vulnerable People Background Checking Scheme are a priority for our sector.

Implementation Review

ATODA understands that Ms Joy Burch MLA, Minister for Community Services, has committed to undertake a Working with Vulnerable People Background Checking Scheme Implementation Review (in addition to the legislated review) to be completed by the end of 2014.

ATODA has made requests to the Community Services Directorate for the Review’s terms of reference and details of the consultation process and its timing. ATODA has not yet received a response.

Conflict between the Work Order Programs and the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act

Workers in some agencies are exempt from the requirements to register for the Working with Vulnerable People Background Checking Scheme until (up to) 2017; however, unfortunately it appears that the Work Order Programs could be compromising this timeframe.

Our sector was active in advocating for the need to establish Work Order Programs in the ACT as part of the broader advocacy work, lead by StreetLaw, to reform the ACT’s infringement system. Further our sector was also one of the first to actively engage with, and register as providers for, the Work Order Programs.

A conflict between the eligibility to become a Work Order Program approved provider and the Working with Vulnerable People Background Checking Scheme has been identified that requires resolution.

Click here to read the full letter to the Community Services Directorate.

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ATOD Workers Groups

The ACT ATOD Workers Group met on 2 October 2014, and are progressing work across a range of areas. If you would like to get involved, please review the information below and liaise with the Workers Group representative from your agency.

Activities / discussions include:

Disseminating information on the Smoking Cessation Training for Tackling Indigenous Smoking. The training is accredited and delivered by Cancer Council SA. ATODA and the Yurauna Centre are supporting the training and Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Services will provide a presentation. Interested workers can access further information at http://www.atoda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Smoking-Cessation-Training-for-Tackling-Indigenous-Smoking-Flyer-October-2014-Final.pdf
Supporting registrations for First Aid training subsidised by ATODA as part of the ACT ATOD Qualification Strategy. This training was held on 29 October 2014: http://www.atoda.org.au/2014/08/subsidised-senior-level-2-first-aid-training/
Monitoring the ACT ATOD Workforce Profile Progress. It was advised that data entry is currently underway. For more information on the Profile visit: http://www.atoda.org.au/projects/workforce-profile/
Leading the update of the ACT ATOD Services Directory. Profiles will be disseminated by ATODA for update in October. To view the directory visit: http://directory.atoda.org.au/
Encouraging ATOD services to register for the upcoming Comorbidity Interagency Day hosted by CatholicCare on 26 November 2014. Services can register for a stall by contacting abbey.higginson@catholiccare.cg.org.au
Disseminating information on Mental Health Week activities in the ACT. For information on the ATOD sector Q&A activity on 8 October visit: http://www.atoda.org.au/event/q-a-on-providing-insight-into-drug-and-alcohol-issues-confronting-people-with-mental-illness/. Other Mental Health Week information is available at: http://www.mhccact.org.au/
Identifying a new Workers Group individual to be nominated to the ATODA Board. Roberta Elferkh from Toora Women Inc has been nominated.
Noted the release of the ACT Drug Diversion Evaluation and the progress made toward the recommendations to date.
Discussed the ongoing impacts of the Working with Vulnerable People Checking System on the ATOD workforce. ATODA continutes to work with the sector and ACT Government to address these unintended consequences. Workers are encouraged to contact carrie@atoda.org.au if they would like to input into review processes.
Discussing initiatives in services related to training and job readiness for service users.

The ACT ATOD Workers Group, which meets monthly, is involved in the development, implementation, coordination, evaluation and promotion of key sector support activities for the alcohol, tobacco and other drug sector in the ACT.

For further information about the group visit the ATODA website or contact Amanda Bode on amanda@atoda.org.au.

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Specialist ATOD Executive Group

The ACT Specialist ATOD Executive Group met in October at the Toora Women Inc offices and discussed a range of issues including:

Priorities for the new whole-of-government ACT Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Strategy 2015-19, this included conducting a separate workshop to provided consolidated input through ATODA
The need for infrastructure upgrades by specialist ATOD NGOs services and the importance of being included within ACT Health infrastructure planning processes.
The need for specialist ATOD NGOs services to be included in consultations of the model of care consultations for the Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit and Interim Adult Mental Health Day Service.
Importance of engaging with the Out of Home Care Strategy and seeking future meetings with the Community Services Directorate to discuss how the ATOD sector can become more engaged in policy, programs and service delivery.

For further information please contact the chair, Camilla Rowland, CEO, Karralika Programs Inc on ceo@karralika.org.au

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Sustained release naltrexone (e.g. implants) are not recommended for treating opioid dependence

ATODA understands that Canberrans (including those in detention) continue to be referred to (or supported to access) interstate services that provide sustained release naltrexone (e.g. implants) for the treatment of opioid dependence.

ATODA wishes to re-iterate that sustained release naltrexone products are not registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration

ATODA has recently updated its advice to members and stakeholders that sustained release naltrexone (e.g. implants) are not recommended for treating opioid dependence.

For further information, including from the NHMRC, ANCD, RACP and OTAC, see: http://www.atoda.org.au/policy/naltrexone/

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Medicinal Cannabis

Medicinal Cannabis Summary Report from the ACT Public Forum and Conference Session

Medicinal cannabis was covered in some depth and with subject experts, at the:
- Public Forum Better Understanding Evidence-Based Options for Medicinal Cannabis in the ACT on 23 September 2014 at the ACT Legislative Assembly, which was co-hosted by the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA), the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and the AIDS Action Council; and,
- 7^th Annual ACT Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Sector Conference convened by ATODA in Canberra on 24 September 2014.
There was widespread participants support for the introduction of a medicinal cannabis regime in the ACT, with no-one speaking against it.
The discussion was on how to proceed compassionately with a regime rather than whether or not to have one.
General support was shown for the propositions in the exposure draft of the Drugs of Dependence (Cannabis Use for Medical Purposes) Amendment Bill 2014 and that the ACT should move, as soon as possible, to make it lawful for certain categories of people to use cannabis in a medicinal manner. Meanwhile concurrent policy work should be done on developing a complete supply chain. This would overcome the major limitations of the current legislative proposal, namely, as it acknowledges, its failure to fully address the cannabis supply considerations.

Click here for further details.

New ACT Medicinal Cannabis webpage

ATODA has developed a webpage to support its members and stakeholders to engage with the evidence and discussions regarding developing a medicinal cannabis regime in the ACT. Click here for further details.

Inquiry submissions due: 13 February 2015

The ACT Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Health, Ageing, Community and Social Services is calling for submissions to its inquiry into the Exposure Draft of the Drugs of Dependence (Cannabis Use for Medical Purposes) Amendment Bill 2014 and related discussion paper.
Click here for further details.

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Other ACT Policy

ACT Drug Diversion Programs Report
Drug policy Modelling Program (DPMP), National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), University of NSW (UNSW)

According to the Evaluation of the Australian Capital Territory Drug Diversion Programs report, the ACT is a leader in drug diversion provision, as the first jurisdiction to introduce a court drug diversion program (1989) and the second to introduce civil penalties for cannabis possession (1992), but "program creep" requires a reassessment of systems and the use of scarce resources.
One recommendation is to establish a facilitator position for the whole ACT alcohol and other drugs (AOD) diversion system, given the increasing number of protocols, procedures and program changes.
The report also recommended getting Court Alcohol and Drug Assessment Scheme (CADAS) assessors back into the ACT courts as a "top priority".

For more information: See the report

Minister Approves Ngunnawal “Miowera” Farm
ACT Government
A proposal to build a bush healing farm for Aboriginal people on rural land in the Tidbinbilla Valley has been approved by Minister for Planning, Mick Gentleman MLA.
For more information: See the media release

ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body election results
ACT Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (ACT ATSIEB)
The name of the seven members to be elected to the ACT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body were announced by the ACT Electoral Commissioner, Philip Green.
The successful candidates in the order in which they were successful are:

Rod Little
Fred Monaghan
Dianne Collins
Jo Chivers
Jo Donovan
Maurice Walker
Ross Fowler

To see the Directorates and lead members, click here.
For more information: Visit the ACT ATSIEB website or the ACT Election website

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National Policy

National Drug Strategy Stakeholder Forum
Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs (IGCD)
On 16 October a forum was hosted to engage key stakeholders to come together with IGCD representatives to discuss developments and provide input to the next National Drug Strategy 2016-2021. ATODA understands that further consultations will be hosted during 2015 to engage the sector.
For further information: contact the IGCD Secretariat on igcd@health.gov.au

Australian National Council on Drug Final Communiqué
Australian National Council on Drug (ANCD)
The ANCD met in Sydney, in late August 2014. This was the final meeting of the current Council members, with a new Chair and membership for the 2014-2017 term expected to be announced by the Government in coming weeks. The Chairman, Dr John Herron thanked members for their commitment to the ANCD and their achievements over the last three years acknowledging:

He has served 4 Prime Ministers
Significance of the membership being Prime Ministerial appointments with direct reporting to the Prime Minister and the ability to advise across all relevant portfolios and departments
Strength of an independent Council whose membership cover a broad range of expertise, including consumer representation, and meet regularly
Connectedness to the sectors involved in drug and alcohol issues and the community via its regular consultations
The importance of the project work undertaken by the ANCD which seeks to provide evidence informed policy advice in specific areas
Ability of the ANCD to respond in a timely and proactive way to community concerns due to the high level of respect and credibility it has earned over many years.

For more information: See the Communiqué, or visit the ANCD website

Competition Policy Review
Australian Government
Australia’s competition policy is currently undergoing review and public consultation. Among other issues, alcohol and tobacco sales are included within the scope of the review.
For more information: See the discussion paper.
Submission close 17 November 2014

Second 12.5 Per Cent Tax Rise on Cigarettes Starts
Lung Foundation Australia, Australian Association of Smoking Cessation Professionals (AASCP)
The 12.5 per cent tax increase is the second of four annual tax increases on tobacco; the combined impact of these increases is estimated to result in a total tax increase of approximately 60 per cent on cigarettes by 1 December 2016. Following the cumulative annual tax increases, the average Australian smoker will spend nearly $26,000 on cigarettes over the next four years.
For more information: See the media release, or contact Daniella Goldberg at daniella@gengeniemedia.com.au 0416 211 067, or Jessica Bardoulas at jessica.bardolas@bm.com 0450 244 311

Health Literacy
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Health literacy is about how people understand information about health and health care, and how they apply that information to their lives, use it to make decisions and act on it. Low levels of individual health literacy contribute to poorer health outcomes, increased risk of an adverse event and higher healthcare costs.
In August 2014 Australian, state and territory Health Ministers endorsed the Commission’s National Statement on Health Literacy as Australia’s national approach to addressing health literacy.
In the National Statement, the Commission proposes a coordinated approach to health literacy based on:

embedding health literacy into systems
ensuring effective communication
integrating health literacy into education.

For more information: See the Background Paper, or visit the website

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Sector Development, Events and Activities

7^th Annual Comorbidity Interagency Day
CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn
The Comorbidity Interagency Day provides an opportunity for workers and service users to learn more about mental health and alcohol, tobacco and other drug services within the ACT and to network. Services are invited to have stalls to promote their programs.
Date: 26 November 2014
Time: 11am - 2pm
Venue: BlackFriars Rose Garden, ACU Campus, 127 Philip Ave, Watson
For more information: See the flyer, email abbey.higginson@catholiccare.cg.org.au, or call (02) 6163 7625

Forum on Management of Co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Conditions
Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use (CREMS)
This forum will inform the revised content of the ‘Guidelines on the management of co-occurring alcohol and other drug and mental health conditions in alcohol and other drug treatment settings’ with a particular focus on how to improve upon the existing resource.
Date: 11 November 2014
Time: 2 – 5pm
Venue: Meeting Room 3, Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide
For more information: Visit the CREMS website, or email c.marel@unsw.edu.au

Australasian Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Managers Group 9^th Annual General Meeting
Australasian Opioid Treatment Program Managers Group
This is an opportunity for managers of OTP to disseminate information about their programs; discuss current issues and network with other managers. Each year a presentation is provided by the host State/Territory/Country on their OTP services.
Date: 10 November 2014
Time: 5 – 7pm
Venue: APSAD Conference, Adelaide, room to be confirmed
For more information: Email Carolyn@whos.com.au, or call (02) 85772 7471

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Sector Network – ATSIComSec Network
ACT Council of Social Services (ACTCOSS) Gulanga Program
Provides a bi-monthly network lunch meetings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community sector staff. The forum provides participants with a space to network, share and receive information, and the opportunity for peer support and mentoring with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers.
For more information: Visit the ACTCOSS website, email actcoss@actcoss.org.au, or call (02) 6202 7200

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Service Delivery

ACT Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program - Questions & Answers
ACT Government
This document contains useful information on the program that came into effect on 17 June 2014 and also provides people convicted of drink driving offences with an opportunity to legally drive under certain conditions.
For more information: See the Q & A document

Partners in Recovery (PIR)
ACT Medicare Local (ACTML)
PIR has adopted a centralised access point at ACTML. Referral and program enquiries are accepted by their intake officer. Referrals can also be completed online.
For more information: Visit the ACTML website, email pir@actml.com.au or call (02) 6287 8070

New Primary Health Outreach Clinic
ACT Medicare Local (ACTML), UnitingCare Canberra City
ACT Chief Minister, Ms Katy Gallagher MLA, joined UnitingCare Canberra City and ACT Medicare Local (ACTML) to launch the new Primary Health Outreach Clinic at the Early Morning Centre (EMC) which will provide free accessible primary health care to people who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.
The EMC is run on a drop-in basis and it targets homeless and vulnerable clients.
Other services offered by the EMC:

Free breakfast from 7:30 to 8:30am Monday to Friday
Drop in 9 – 11:30am (Mon-Thu); 9 – 10:30am (Fri)
Addressing issues of homelessness
Outreach to EMC by: Partners in Recovery (Mon), Centrelink (Tue), Streetlaw (every 2^nd Tue) and Medical clinic (Wed)

For more information: Visit the Canberra City Uniting Church, call (02) 6241 5041, or see the media release

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Newsletters, Magazines and Updates

Tackling Nicotine Together (TNT) Newsletter
University of Newcastle Australia
Provides information about the Tackling Nicotine Together (TNT) Project, including an update for participating ACT services.
For more information: See the latest issue

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

Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education Newsletter
Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education (FARE)
Provides information on reducing the harms caused by alcohol.
For more information: See the latest issue

In Touch
Public Health Association Australia (PHAA)
A monthly newsletter with a focus on public health news and events in Australia.
For more information: See the latest issue

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Resources and Publications

Safe Sharps Project
Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC), Australian Diabetes Council, NSW Ministry of Health
The Safe Sharps project aims to assist sharps users to find the most convenient location to dispose of their sharps safely. The on-line facility allows users to submit a location address and then search for the locations of single needle disposal points, sharps’ container disposal points or sellers of sharps’ containers.Users can also access the same information using their smart phone’s mobile web capabilities or by downloading the approved iPhone application. Using the website or downloading the Smart Phone applications are free of charge.
For more information: Visit the Safe Sharps website

“Tell Your Story” New Website
Australian National Council on Drug (ANCD)
The Australian National Council on Drugs has donated the Tell Your Story website to Family Drug Support and We Help Ourselves so people across Australia can share their story about drugs and alcohol.
For more information: See the ANCD media release or visit the Tell Your Story website

Opioid Pharmacotherapy Fees: A Long Standing Barrier to Treatment Entry and Retention
The Centre for Research Excellence into Injecting Drug Use (CREIDU) and Harm Reduction Victoria
This policy brief identified 2 priorities, including:

Dispensing fees for medication assisted treatment for opioid dependence (MATOD) are inequitable and create a major barrier to treatment access, retention and optimal outcomes.
State and/or federal governments must address the issue of dispensing fees and implement a more equitable system of payment in order to support MATOD clients and in particular disadvantaged clients and those on low or fixed incomes

For more information: See the policy brief or email elise.carrotte@burnet.edu.au

The National Alcohol and Drug Knowledgebase (NADK)
National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA)
This website draws on the highest quality Australian data to provide accurate and easy-to-understand information about alcohol and other drugs. A series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) is used to present data in an easily understood manner.
For more information: See the NADK website, or the NCETA website

Clinical Supervision Guidelines for Alcohol and Other Drugs and Community Managed Mental Health sectors
Bouverie Centre, Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA), Psychiatric Disability Services of Victoria (VICSERV)
The guidelines include relevant definitions, models and modalities for delivering supervision, ethical and legal considerations and supervisor competencies. It is hoped that the guidelines will be a flexible tool to assist supervisees, supervisors and managers to develop and maintain effective clinical supervision within organisations.
For more information: Visit the Guidelines website

Uncle Joe and the Winnunga Frog
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service in the ACT
The endangered Corroboree frog is the centre-point of the Winnunga logo. The Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal health centre has written a book about the Corroboree frog and its relationship to the Service. It tells a story of Uncle Joe - the cleaner at Winnunga - and a Corroboree frog.
The cost of a copy of this book is $30 and can be purchased directly from Winnunga.
For more information: Visit Winnunga website, or call (02) 6284 6222

Vietnamese SMART Recovery Manual
Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC)
The Vietnamese translation of the complete SMART Recovery manual is now available for free download from the Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC)’s website.
SMART Recovery is a self-help program that assists people in recovering from alcohol, drug use and other addictive behaviours. The translated manual has been tested with various groups experiencing a range of drug, alcohol and related issues.
For more information: See the manual, or call (02) 9699 3552

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Training and Professional Development

ACT Comorbidity Bus Tours
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The Comorbidity Bus Tour seeks to increase the capacity of frontline workers to support people experiencing co-occurring ATOD and mental health issues (comorbidity). The Comorbidity Bus Tour visits a variety of services in the ACT from the alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD), mental health and youth sectors.
The next Comorbidity Bus Tour for 2014 will be Tour A on 19 November 2014.
Cost: Members of the Youth Coalition, ATODA or MHCC ACT $50, $60 Non-member or non-government organisations, $70 Government workers
For more information: Visit ATODA's website, email bustours@youthcoalition.net or call (02) 6247 3540

October - November 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 October - November 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

Mental Health, Justice Health, Alcohol and Drug Services Organisational Development Unit – Education & Training Calendar July to November 2014
ACT Health, Canberra Hospital and Health Services
The Calendar collates training and education opportunities in the mental health, justice health and alcohol and other drug sectors.
For more information: See the Calendar

Seminar: Contributions and Connections –Children and Young People’s Experiences of Family
Institute of Child Protection Studies (ICPS), Australian Catholic University (ACU)
This seminar presents the findings of two recent projects supported by ICPS:

The needs and experiences of biological children of foster carers
Young people’s experiences of family connectedness

Date: 24 November 2014
Time: 9:30 – 11:30am
Venue: Australian Catholic University, Watson (further information provided upon RSVP)
For more information: See the flyer or email erin.barry@acu.edu.au

Beyond Smoke and Mirrors: Dealing with Problem Gambling
ACT Gambling & Racing Commission, Centre for Continuing Welfare
The 'Beyond Smoke and Mirrors' training course provides participants with an understanding of the reasons why their clients may not disclose their problems with gambling or may not fully disclose the extent of the problem. An understanding of the reasons for and the mechanisms of deception can also assist non specialist community sector workers and counsellors work more effectively with clients affected by the gambling problems of a family member. The background for this material is drawn from the experience of financial, legal, welfare, and personal counsellors who work with the negative consequences of problem gambling.
Date: 27 November 2014
Time: 9am – 4:30pm
Venue: Woden CIT, Ainsworth Street Phillip
Cost: Free
For more information: email alexander.ingham@act.gov.au or call (02) 6207 0305

Master of Addictive Behaviours: Off Campus
Monash University
The Masters course is open to graduates and professionals from a range of disciplines and perspectives, including health professionals, researchers and policy-makers, as well as professionals within the human resources, justice or education sectors. The Masters aims to provide both the theoretical and practical knowledge of current perspectives and advances in the field of addiction and its relationship to other associated disciplines including nursing, social work, medicine, psychology and the law.
For more information: Visit the Monash University website, email masters@turningpoint.org.au or call (03) 8413 8700

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Conferences and Symposiums

APSAD Conference 2014
The Australian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD)
The annual APSAD Scientific Conference plays an important role in the life of the Society, providing an important avenue for APSAD to promote the use of best practice approaches in the prevention, early intervention and treatment of alcohol and other drug problems.
Date: 9 - 12 November 2014
Venue: The Adelaide Convention Centre
For more information: Visit the Conference website

DPMP Symposium
Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP)
The DPMP Symposium will showcase research and reflections across a range of topics including ‘Treatment as Prevention: Implications for drug policy?’, ‘Perspectives on methamphetamine’, as well as new research from the Drug Policy Modelling Program team.
Date: 1 December 2014
Time: 9:30am - 4pm
Venue: The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, 22-32 King St, Randwick, NSW
RSVP: Essential, by 31 October 2014
For more information or to register: Visit the DPMP website, or email j.bartlett@unsw.edu.au

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Employment

Primary Health Care Policy and Projects Coordinator
Public Health Association Australia (PHAA)
PHAA is seeking a suitably qualified person to fill the full-time role of Primary Health Care Policy and Projects Coordinator in our National Office on a 12-month contract. The position will be responsible for engaging with Primary Health Organisations and key NGOs, coordination of an annual Primary Health Care Conference and the development of briefings, policy papers, media/communications and other advocacy materials. The role will require an in depth understanding of prevention, public health and primary health care.
For more information: Email phaa@phaa.net.au or call (02) 6285 2373

CALM Community Outreach Worker
Ted Noffs Foundation ACT
This position is to assists young people aged 12-25 who are experiencing issues with substance use and mental health in their community.
Application closes on 16 November 2014
For more information: Visit Ted Noffs Foundation website or call (02) 9305 6606

PALM Clinical Team Leader
Ted Noffs Foundation ACT
This position is to assists in the day-to-day management of PALM.
Application closes on 16 November 2014
For more information: Visit Ted Noffs Foundation website or call (02) 9305 6606

Casual PALM Alcohol & Other Drug Worker
Ted Noffs Foundation ACT
This position is to work in a team in day-to-day program management and delivery in a residential setting.
Application closes on 16 November 2014
For more information: Visit Ted Noffs Foundation website or call (02) 9305 6606

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Consumer Participation

Health Care Consumers’ Association Consumer Representatives Training
Health Care Consumers’ Association (HCCA)
This free two-day course provides participants with the opportunity to nominate as a Consumer Representative on a health service committee and make a valuable contribution to improve health services. Participants will learn more about the ACT Health System from a consumer perspective and how to use this knowledge to make effective systemic change.
Date: 14 & 21 November 2014
Time: 10am – 3pm
Venue: HCCA Meeting Room, ACT Sports House, 100 Maitland St, Hackett
Cost: Free
For more information: See the flyer, email sandraavila@hcca.org.au, or call (02) 6230 7800

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

Patient Opinion Website
Consumer Health Forum of Australia
An independent site about people’s experiences of Australian health services, good or bad.
For more information: Visit the website

Cannabidiol (CBD) Withdrawal Pilot Study
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC)
The National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre at UNSW is looking to recruit two participants ages 18-65 to a pilot study examining the effectiveness of CBD for withdrawal.
Eligible participants must be regular cannabis smokers with no poly-drug use or comorbidity.
Participants must be able to commit to a 6 night detox at a hospital in Western Sydney.
For more information: Email Dr Nicole Clement at n.clememnt@unsw.edu.au, or call (02) 9385 0201

Exploring the Economics Costs to Family Members Affected by Drug Use - Survey
Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP)
The research team is interested in learning more about the experiences of people who have been affected by the drug use of a relative. The study will help to understand more about the impact of drug use on family members, as well as the costs and benefits of drug treatment outcomes for families.
Participants must have a relative that has had dependent drug or alcohol use and must be aged 18 years or older. To participate in the survey, go to http://www.druguseandfamiliessurvey.com.au/
For more information: email m.shanahan@unsw.edu.au or call (02) 8936 1215

Cannabis Diversion Survey
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)
NDARC is conducting a study looking at the effectiveness of Australian police drug diversion for cannabis use/possession offenders. They seek to compare the outcomes and costs of police diversion (and of different types of police diversion) versus a traditional criminal justice response (criminal charge) for anyone who has been detected for a cannabis use/possession offence.
Participants must live in Australia, being 17 year-old or older and have been detected by police for a cannabis use/possession offence in the last 3-9 months. To participate in the survey, go to www.cannabisdiversionsurvey.com.au
For more information: email m.shanahan@unsw.edu.au or call (02) 8936 1215

Smokers’ Attitude Towards Cigarette Smoking Survey
Centre for Health Initiatives, University of Wollongong
Tanya Buchanan from the Centre for Health Initiatives, University of Wollongong, and colleague of Associate Professor Renee Bittoun is conducting a survey aimed at smokers aged 25-55 years living in Australia. All participants who complete the survey may choose to be entered into a draw to receive an $100 Coles Myer gift card. To complete the survey, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/forsmokers
For more information: email tpb996@uowmail.edu.au or call 0431 381 713

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

Alcohol-related news

Canberra police to focus on alcohol and drugs in holiday road safety blitz
Canberra Times, 7 November 2014
Drink drivers with a high blood alcohol concentration will be immediately suspended from driving if caught as police target drunk and drugged motorists over the holiday period.
For more information: See the article

$12 “vodka” sells out despite promotion being slammed by alcohol research group
Canberra Times, 6 November 2014
A supermarket in Canberra selling 700 millilitre bottles of imitation vodka for just $11.99 has sold out of bottles, after coming under fire from a health research group.
For more information: See the article

Canberra’s drink-drivers facing harsher punishments
Canberra Times, 3 November 2014
Canberra's drunk drivers could be facing a stiff increase in penalties, with a possible doubling of the length of time they are forced off the road.
For more information: See the article

Police promise to be out in force for cup day
CityNews, 3 November 2014
ACT Policing is reminding Canberrans celebrating Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup to plan ahead and drink responsibly.
For more information: See the article

P-plater caught driving drunk at 138kmph in Jindabyne
Canberra Times, 1 November 2014
A 19 year old man driving 45kmph over the speed limit while intoxicated has been charged with mid-range drunk driving.
For more information: See the article

Drink driver records reading almost six times over the limit
Canberra Times, 27 October 2014
A woman driving her three children home has recorded a blood alcohol reading almost six-times over the legal limit.
For more information: See the article

Car crash involving ‘drunk driver’ on Hume Highway near Goulbrun causes traffic disruption
ABC News, 17 October 2014
A drunk driver is believed responsible for a crash that turned two cars into smoking wrecks on the Hume Highway near Goulburn and caused traffic delays in the area.
For more information: See the article

Justin Monfries loses appeal on sentence for hit-run outside Canberra Hospital
Canberra Times, 16 October 2014
The drunk, speeding driver who ran a red light in a stolen car and hit and killed Canberra hospital worker Linda Cox has lost an appeal against his 13-year jail sentence.
For more information: See the article

More than 200 drivers fined in ACT during long weekend
Canberra Times, 8 October 2014
There were no serious or fatal crashes in the first week of the school holidays despite a boost in traffic across ACT roads.
For more information: See the article

Drug-related news

Police bust alleged drug ring operating out of Canberra jail
Canberra Times, 6 November 2014
Bikies, convicted criminals, and a Sydney-based Chinese drug cook codenamed "the chemist" have allegedly been caught running a sophisticated supply racket in the ACT's prison.
For more information: See the article

Bail denied after not guilty plea on drug importation charges
Canberra Times, 5 November 2014
A Canberra man who allegedly had commercial quantities of drugs mailed to his home address has pleaded not guilty to charges carrying a potential life sentence.
For more information: See the article

Drug possession laws are failing to lower use levels – so what are they for?
Sydney Morning Herald, 5 November 2014
According to the British government's "first evidence-based study", released at the end of last week, tough laws for personal possession of illicit drugs fail to lower levels of their use. This is not news to anyone who has spent any time looking into the social cost of the "war on drugs", so what is the purpose of these laws?
For more information: See the article

Medical marijuana inquiry calls for public submissions on draft legislation
Canberra Times, 4 November 2014
An ACT Legislative Assembly committee conducting an inquiry into the use of medical cannabis in the community has called for public submissions.
For more information: See the article

Medical marijuana: Canberrans have their say on whether the drug should be legalised for medical use
ABC News, 4 November 2014
Canberra’s community has been invited to have a say about medical marijuana, as the ACT Government considers a bill to legalise its use.
For more information: See the article

Legal limits of drug testing in the bureaucracy
Canberra Times, 4 November 2014
Whether viewed as the action of a "Stalinist state" or an essential work health requirement, drug testing employees is controversial.
For more information: See the article

Like men possessed: what are the illicit drug laws really for?
The Conversation, 3 November 2014
Desmond Manderson, Professor in Law and Humanities, ARC Future Fellow, The Australian National University
According to the UK government’s “first evidence-based study”, released at the end of last week, tough laws for personal possession of illicit drugs fail to lower levels of their use. This is not news to anyone who has spent any time looking into the social cost of the “war on drugs”, so what is the purpose of these laws?
For more information: See the article

ACT’s biggest drug seizure nets 28kg of ice: police
ABC News, 24 October 2014
ACT Policing seized around 28 kilograms of a substance believed to be ice during the search of a vehicle at Curtin in Canberra's inner south.
For more information: See the article

NSW Police say Goulburn drug syndicate busted after another man charged
ABC News, 23 October 2014
New South Wales Police say they have arrested the last man involved in a drug syndicate at Goulburn that was producing and supplying ice.
For more information: See the article

Canberra man jailed for sexually assaulting man who owed drug debt
ABC News, 23 October 2014
A man convicted of bashing and raping another man with a beer bottle over a $2,500 drug debt has been sentenced to nearly seven years in jail.
For more information: See the article

Dozens arrested as police bust Goulburn drug ring
Canberra Times, 23 October 2014
Nineteen people have now been arrested after police raided four more homes in Goulburn on Thursday as part of an sting on a crystal methamphetamine supply ring.
For more information: See the article

Joy Burch’s son turns life around after Phillip kebab shop robbery
Canberra Times, 23 October 2014
The son of an ACT government minister has turned his life around after he robbed a kebab shop at knifepoint last year, using his struggle with drugs to help educate young Canberrans.
For more information: See the article

Anthony Catanzariti jailed for torture, sexual assault of drug dealer over debt
Canberra Times, 23 October 2014
A Watson man who tortured and sexually assaulted a drug dealer during a prolonged attack over a $2500 debt has been sentenced to almost seven years jail.
For more information: See the article

ACC staff member caught using drugs prompts call for wider tests
Canberra Times, 20 October 2014
The Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity has called for more "high risk" public service agencies to consider drug testing after a staff member at a major corruption fighting agency was caught out.
For more information: See the article

Random drug testing catches 19 drivers in Queanbeyan
Canberra Times, 20 October 2014
Police caught 19 drugged drivers in Queanbeyan over the weekend as part of a random drug testing operation.
For more information: See the article

Psychosis fears after ‘ice’ use rises among injecting drug users
Canberra Times, 20 October 2014
Hospitals and drug clinics are bracing themselves for more patients presenting with psychosis and cardiovascular problems after a significant increase in use of the drug "ice".
For more information: See the article

Canberra restaurateur admits trying to import cocaine to ‘big note’ himself
ABC News, 17 October 2014
A high-profile Canberra restaurateur has admitted trying to import and traffic cocaine, to feed a $1,200 a day habit and "big note" himself.
For more information: See the article

Alleged Canberra drug importer facing life imprisonment
Canberra Times, 16 October 2014
A Canberra man who allegedly had commercial quantities of drugs delivered right to his front door is facing a maximum of life imprisonment.
For more information: See the article

Canberra man Christopher Walter Thorn in custody and facing drug charges over online GBL order
ABC News, 16 October 2014
A Canberra man is in custody after he allegedly imported several litres of the drug known as GBL.
For more information: See the article

Prison needle exchange row is holding up guards’ pay rise, says Community and Public Sector Union
Canberra Times, 14 October 2014
The union that represents ACT prison guards says its members are being blackmailed over the plan to supply clean needles to prisoners.
For more information: See the article

Fewer drug users diverted from courts to ACT treatment programs: report
Canberra Times, 14 October 2014
The ACT has the lowest proportion of offenders who were diverted from the courts in its drug and alcohol treatment programs in the nation, a report has found.
For more information: See the article

ADHD treatment trialled in bid to help ice addicts kick deadly habit
ABC News, 14 October 2014
A drug used to treat inattentive and impulsive children could be the key to weaning addicts off the deadly drug ice, researchers say.
For more information: See the article

Bush healing: Call-in powers used to push through controversial centre
ABC News, 9 October 2014
A drug and alcohol rehab centre for Aboriginal people in Canberra is one step closer to reality, after the ACT's Planning Minister used his call-in powers to push through its development application
For more information: See the article

Searches, dogs and x-rays fail to keep contraband out of the Alexander Maconochie Centre
Canberra Times, 6 October 2014
Contraband is still getting into the Alexander Maconochie Centre, with 727 seizures reported during the 2012/13 and 2013/14 financial years, despite strip searches, dog patrols and x-ray technology.
For more information: See the article

Drug diversion programs in the ACT need to be strengthened: report
ABC News, 2 October 2014
Drug diversion programs in the ACT need to improve to prevent criminals from reoffending, a new study has found.
For more information: See the article

Drug diversion report identifies failings, government pledges to strengthen efforts
Canberra Times, 1 October 2014
The ACT government has pledged to strengthen efforts to divert drug users away from the justice system, after a report identified a series of failings in its current approach.
For more information: See the article

Tobacco-related news

Canberra’s who throw away lit cigarettes face harsher fines
Canberra Times, 28 October 2014
Canberrans who throw away lit cigarettes face harsher on-the-spot fines under a range of new powers granted to emergency services.
For more information: See the article

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