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News from ATODA
Participation at the National Ice Taskforce Roundtable Discussion
ATODA and the other state and territory AOD peaks were invited to a roundtable discussion with Professor Richard Murray as part of the National Ice Taskforce on Tuesday 4 May 2015 in Brisbane.
ATODA discussed the increasing harms being experienced by some individuals, families and communities due to crystal methamphetamine, alcohol and other drugs including the disproportionate impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. ATODA advised the Taskforce to focus resources and support towards the 2% of Australians and their families and communities who are at most risk of methamphetamine-related harms. We recommended that any new investment should build upon, and lever off of, current investments in drug treatment, harm reduction and support services.
For more information see the media release or the Canberra Times article
Paper: Funding required for non-government specialist drug treatment and support services to effectively respond to a 36% increase in demand and rising methamphetamine related harms
This paper, produced by ATODA, seeks to advise ACT Health (and the ACT Government more broadly) on an appropriate response to the rising methamphetamine-related harms in the ACT, through providing additional funding for non-government drug treatment services and workforce development.
For more information: See the paper
Methamphetamine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Information Forum
Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation, in collaboration with ATODA, will be hosting an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Information Forum presented by Kathleen Orr, from Odyssey House in Melbourne, who is an expert in methamphetamine and has been training Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alcohol and drug workers.
Please note: this is a community information forum for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and not a professional development activity.
Topics include:
- What is “ice”/methamphetamine
- How does it work?
- What does it do to the body and mind?
- What kind of help is there?
Date: Wednesday 17 June 2015
Time: 12pm – 2pm
Venue: Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation, 1 Grattan Ct, Wanniassa
For more information: See the flyer, or contact Nick at Gugan Gulwan on (02) 6296 8915 or nick@gugan-gulwan.com.au, or contact Amanda at ATODA on (02) 6255 4070 or amanda@atoda.org.au
Qualification Strategy Semester 1, 2015 (for registered participants)
This training includes the Remaining Units from the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD). This is the non-ATOD content of the Certificate IV, and only those workers in the specialist ATOD sector that do not have existing health, social or behavioural science tertiary qualifications are required to undertake this training.
Date: 28 & 29 May 2015
Time: 9am – 4pm
Venue: Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Campus, Bruce
Cost: Subsidised by ATODA
For more information: See the Information Package, email Julie@atoda.org.au, or call (02) 6255 4070
ACT ATOD Services Directory: Version 12
The ACT ATOD Services Directory communicates the diverse range of services and programs available in the ACT alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) sector. It aims to support workers to make referrals, increase cross and intra-sectoral knowledge, and foster collaborations.
Version 12 is available online at www.directory.atoda.org.au.
See other ATODA news throughout the ebulletin.
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2015 Federal Budget
The 2015 Federal Budget was handed down by Treasurer Joe Hockey on 12 May 2015. The Budget Strategy and measures can be downloaded at http://www.budget.gov.au/2015-16/index.htm
Budget 2015: Better direction but lower income earners still doing the heavy lifting
Australian Council of Social Services
ACOSS have stated that the 2015 Budget shows some improvements in strategy, with a fairer approach to pension reform and increased investment in child care. But the overall package retains many harsh cuts from last year's Budget and will leave many people on the lowest incomes worse off. The Budget also fails to stimulate investment in jobs growth.
For more information: Visit the ACOSS website
Health Budget 2015: death by 1000 cuts
Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA)
The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) has described the 2015 Health Budget as a bloodbath for health organisations delivering vital services to the Australian community. $1.7 billion worth of funding cuts have been flagged across funded programs over the next 4 years.
For more information: See the media release
NACCHO 2015 Budget Aboriginal Health News Alert
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) has provided an interim News Alert with topics including:
- Federal budget 2015: Nearly $2 billion in cuts to health system
- Health Budget night lock up fiasco
- Indigenous Advancement Strategy gets $4.9bn commitment
- National Rural Health Alliance
- Health experts react in The Conversation
- AMA was also concerned about the apparent lack of preventive health measures and funding in the budget
- The government’s $485 million e-health package
For more information: See the News Alert
Budget Silence not a Rejection of Hepatitis C Therapy Funding
Hepatitis Australia
Hepatitis Australia developed a media release following the Minister’s budget announcement of PBS listings for other medicines (from the December PBAC). The media release stated that tens of thousands of Australians awaiting access to ground-breaking hepatitis C therapy should not despair that a PBS listing was not announced as part of the Federal Budget.
For more information: See the media release
Media
Federal budget 2015: Nearly $2 billion in cuts to health system
Canberra Times, 13 May 2015
The Abbott government will cut nearly $2 billion from the health system over the next five years, while pushing ahead with controversial changes to the way it funds state-run public hospitals.
For more information: See the article
Federal budget 2015: Your five-minute budget summary
Canberra Times, 13 May 2015
Treasury forecasts suggest that Australian businesses will start to use much more of the spare productive capacity lying idle in Australia's economy over the next two years, with economic growth returning to "trend" by 2016/17. The unemployment rate is expected to peak at 6.5 per cent.
For more information: See the article
The budget winners and losers
The Conversation, 12 May 2015
Charis Palmer, Deputy Business Editor, The Conversation
Emil Jeyaratnam, Multimedia Editor, The Conversation
Budget winners and losers: the impact of the federal budget policy measures.
For more information: See the article
Federal budget 2015: Guillotine’s gone but Canberra’s slow bleed goes on
Canberra Times, 12 May 2015
This budget has its good and bad news for Canberra. Some will call it dull, which will no doubt please Tony Abbott, who seems desperate not to offend after last year's disaster. But it contains a sting for this city: it effectively locks the ACT into no more than sluggish growth for years to come.
For more information: See the article
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ATOD Workers Groups
The ACT ATOD Workers Group met on 7 May 2015 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:
For further information about the ACT ATOD Workers Group visit the ATODA website or contact Amanda Bode, ATODA, on amanda@atoda.org.au
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Specialist ATOD Executive Group
The ATOD Executive Network met on 21 st April 2015. Agenda items included:
- ACT NSP Advisory Group and developments
- ACT ATOD Strategy Evaluation Group
- Finalising feedback for the ACT ATOD Workforce Profile
- The We Can NRT Program
- ACT NGOTGP and SMSDGF Funding
- Next activities following the FundAssist workshop
- Accredited methamphetamine training
For information about this group please contact the chair, Susan Clarke-Lindfield, CEO, Toora Women Inc on (02) 6122 7004 or susan.clarke-lindfield@toora.org.au.
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ACT Policy
2015 ACT Budget Forum for the Community Sector - 4 June
ACT Council of Social Service Inc. (ACTCOSS)
The ACT Budget will be announced on Tuesday 2 June 2015. ACTCOSS will hold its ACT Budget Forum for the community sector on Thursday 4 June from 12.30pm to 2pm. ACTCOSS Director, Susan Helyar, will provide an overview of the 2015-16 Budget and outline its impact on the ACT community sector. The Chief Minister and Treasurer, Andrew Barr, will be addressing the forum.
Date: 4 June
Time: 12.30 - 2pm
Venue: Function Room, K Block, CIT Reid, 37 Constitution Avenue, Reid
RSVP: By 28 May 2015
Cost: Free
For more information: See the Eventbrite page, email actcoss@actcoss.org.au, or call (02) 6202 7200
2015 ACT Budget Analysis Consultation for ACTCOSS Members
ACT Council of Social Service Inc. (ACTCOSS)
This consultation provides an opportunity for ACTCOSS members (both organisational and associate) to come and share their views on the ACT Budget. These views will inform further development of the ACTCOSS 2015-2016 Budget Snapshot, which will be released at the ACT Budget Forum for the Community Sector on 4 June.
This consultation will also provide an opportunity to collate questions for the ACT Government about the Budget.
Please note: this consultation is only open to associate members and member organisations of ACTCOSS.
Date: 3 June
Time: 10-11am
Venue: Level 1, meeting room, Weston Community Hub, 6 Gritten St, Weston
RSVP: By 1 June 2015
Cost: Free
For more information: See the Eventbrite page, email actcoss@actcoss.org.au, or call (02) 6202 7200
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National Policy
Good News for Canberrans affected by Hepatitis C
Hepatitis ACT
Hepatitis ACT welcomed Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommendations to Government to subsidise new antiviral medicines for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
For more information: See the media release, email info@hepatitisACT.com.au, or call (02) 6230 6344
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Sector Development, Events and Activities
Former Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has joined the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service
Former ACT chief minister Jon Stanhope has joined the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal health service, a job that reflects his longstanding interest in Aboriginal issues and represents his first foray into the community sector.
For more information: See the NACCHO communiqué, the Canberra Times article, or call (02) 6284 6222
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Newsletters, Magazines and Updates
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
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
Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre Research Update Autumn 2015
Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC)
DAMEC provides free, quarterly updates on research covering access and equity, social dimensions of substance use, and other issues specifically related to AOD prevalence, treatment and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations in Australia.
For more information: See the Research Update or email research@damec.org.au
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Resources and Publications
Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services National Minimum Data Set
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
Alcohol and other drug treatment services assist people to address their drug use through a range of treatments. Treatment objectives can include reduction or cessation of drug use as well as improvements to social and personal functioning. Assistance may also be provided to support the family and friends of people using drugs.
Further information will be released in June 2015.
Key findings are:
- Around 122,000 clients received more than 180,000 treatment episodes from alcohol and other drug treatment agencies
- 2 in 3 clients were male (67%), just over half were aged 20-39 (55%), and 1 in 7 clients were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (14%)
- Since 2009-10 there has been a decline in the number of 20-29 year olds being treated, while those aged 40 and over rose from 30% to 33%
- There has been a 32% increase in the number of closed treatment episodes between 2003-04 and 2013-14
- The main drug leading clients to seek treatment continues to be alcohol (40%), however treatment for the use of amphetamine is increasing
- Since 2003-04, treatment types received by clients have not changed substantially, with counselling, assessment only and withdrawal management the most common types of treatment
For more information: Visit the AIHW website or call (02) 6244 1000
FARE Annual Alcohol Poll 2015
Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education
The nation’s most comprehensive annual alcohol poll has shed light on what we drink and think, highlighting that Australians are looking to governments to take action.
For more information: See the full report, visit the FARE website, or call (02) 6122 8600
National Opioid Pharmacotherapy Statistics Annual Data (NOPSAD)
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
The National Opioid Pharmacotherapy Statistics Annual Data (NOPSAD) collection provides information on a snapshot day in June 2014 on clients receiving opioid pharmacotherapy treatment, the doctors prescribing opioid pharmacotherapy drugs, and the dosing points (such as pharmacies) that clients attend to receive their medication.
For more information: Visit the AIHW website, or call (02) 6244 1000
Child Protection Australia 2013-14
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
This report contains comprehensive information on state and territory child protection and support services in 2013-14, and the characteristics of Australian children within the child protection system.
This report shows that:
- Around 143,000 children, a rate of 27.2 per 1,000 children, received child protection services (investigation, care and protection order and/or in out-of-home care)
- Three-quarters (73%) of these children had previously been the subject of an investigation, care and protection order and/or out-of-home care placement
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were 7 times as likely as non-Indigenous children to be receiving child protection services
For more information: See the full report, the media release, or call (02) 6244 1000
Youth Justice in Australia 2013-14
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
The report, Youth justice in Australia 2013-14, found that over the 5 years to 2013-14, there was an overall drop in the rate of young people under youth justice supervision on an average day, from 28 to 23 per 10,000 young people aged 10-17.
For more information: See the report, or call (02) 6244 1000
Hepatitis Factsheet: Heps A, B and C
Hepatitis NSW
Hepatitis NSW has recently reviewed and updated its factsheets. There are 34 in the set and they are individually downloadable or as a set.
For more information: See the factsheets, the complete pack, visit the Hepatitis NSW website, or call (02) 9332 1853
Hepatitis Infoline Calling Cards
Hepatitis NSW
There are eight different Q&As and they are designed to work as opportunistic intervention triggers.
For more information: Visit the Hepatitis NSW website
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Training and Professional Development
ACT Comorbidity Bus Tours
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The Comorbidity Bus Tour seeks to increase the capacity of frontline workers to support people experiencing co-occurring ATOD and mental health issues (comorbidity). The Comorbidity Bus Tour visits a variety of services in the ACT from the alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD), mental health and youth sectors.
The next Comorbidity Bus Tour for 2015 will be Tour A on 27 May 2015.
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
April - May 2015 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 2015 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
Accredited methamphetamine training for ATOD workers
ATODA, Odyssey House Victoria, ACT Health
ATODA has partnered with Odyssey House Victoria to deliver the nationally recognised accredited course: ‘ 10524NAT Course In Working with Clients with Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Issues’ with workers from specialist alcohol, tobacco and other drug services in the ACT.
An expression of interest process has been completed and three groups of workers will be trained in June, July and August 2015.
ATODA acknowledges Minister for Health Mr Simon Corbell and ACT Health for providing resources to enable this workforce development initiative to occur. All specialist drug treatment and support services funded or delivered by ACT Health are participating in this training. This training is fully booked out.
For more information: Contact Amanda Bode at amanda@atoda.org.au, or call (02) 6255 4070
Accredited methamphetamine training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ATOD workers
ATODA, Odyssey House Victoria, ACT Health
This training is specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers based in specialist drug treatment and support services funded or delivered by ACT Health.
This training is fully booked out.
ATODA acknowledges Minister for Health Mr Simon Corbell and ACT Health for providing resources to enable this workforce development initiative to occur.
For more information: Contact Amanda Bode at amanda@atoda.org.au, or call (02) 6255 4070
Turning Point’s Online Graduate Programs in Addiction Applications Now Open
Turning Point
Turning Point is offering online graduate programs in Addiction:
- Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Studies
- Graduate Diploma in Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Studies
- Master of Addictive Behaviours (together with Monash University)
Closing dates:
- Graduate Certificate and Graduation Diploma in AOD: 15 July 2015
- Master of Addictive Behaviours: 29 May 2014 for first round and 3 July for second round.
For more information: See the brochure, email training@turningpoint.org.au (Graduate) or masters@turningpoint.org.au (Masters), or call (03) 8413 8700
Accidental Counsellor Training
Lifeline ACT
Accidental Counsellor is a two-day workshop that provides participants with fundamental skills in crisis support counselling and dealing with difficult situations. The course also covers topics such as dealing with people who are angry, highly distressed, drug and alcohol affected or experiencing effects of a mental illness.
Date: 1 & 2 June, 25 & 26 June 2015
Cost: $450 general, $400 not-for-profit organisations
For more information: See the brochure, visit the Lifeline ACT website, email training@actlifeline.org.au, or call (02) 6204 6402
Dealing with People in Difficult Situations
Lifeline ACT
Dealing with People in Difficult Situations is designed for people with direct client contact, including reception and admin staff, case management, customer service or direct service provision. The course is run as a half-day workshop.
Date: 12 June 2015
Cost: $120 general, $100 not-for-profit organisations
For more information: See the brochure, visit the Lifeline ACT website, email training@actlifeline.org.au, or call (02) 6204 6402
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Lifeline ACT
ASIST is a two-day interactive workshop which aims to improve participants suicide awareness and prevention skills. The course is presented by LivingWorks-accredited facilitators, who use internationally standardised resources and materials. Participants are trained to recognise when a person may be at risk and how to respond to improve the immediate and long-term safety of the person at risk.
Date: 17-18 June 2015
Cost: $315 concession, $ 350 community organisations
For more information: See the brochure, visit the Lifeline ACT website, email training@actlifeline.org.au, or call (02) 6204 6402
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Conferences and Symposiums
2015 Northern Territory (NT) Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Sector Forum
Association of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies (AADANT)
The Forum entitled Solving the Puzzle – Bringing the Pieces Together: Strengthening and Connecting the Northern Territory Alcohol and Other Drugs Sector will explore topics such as:
- New and Emerging Drugs – Methamphetamine
- Trauma – Assessment, treatment and management of clients who have experienced trauma
- NT AOD Sector – Facts and Figures to inform your practice
- Families – Strengthening communities and families
- The Way Forward – Walking Together, Working Together
- Case Management – Creating an understanding of the theories and processes
Date: 22 - 24 June 2015
Venue: Alice Springs Convention Centre
Cost: AADANT financial members $150, AADANT non-financial members $250, non-members $350
For more information: See the flyer, visit the AADANT website, or email admin@aadant.org.au
Call for Abstract – 2015 APSAD Conference
Australian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs
This years conference will address a diverse range of issues including co-existing mental health and drug problems, aetiology, policy innovations, emerging psychoactive substances, responding to First Peoples’ needs and addressing drug related harms.
Abstract Submission close on 29 May 2015.
Date: 8-11 November 2015
Venue: Pan Pacific Hotel, Perth
Cost: Before 28 August: APSAD member $750, WANADA member $770, non-member $880; after 28 August: APSAD member $820, WANADA member $840, non-member $960
For more information: Visit the Conference website, email apsadconference@ashm.org.au or call (02) 8204 0770
Call for Abstract – National Complex Needs Conference
Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA)
This conference will showcase successful programs/approaches in addressing complex needs - with the broader purpose of identifying what works and how.
Abstract Submission close on 12 June 2015.
Date: 17-18 November 2015
Venue: Canberra Rex Hotel, Canberra
Cost: Before 31 July: PHAA member $590, non-member $660; after 31 July: PHAA member $690, non-member $770
For more information: Visit the Conference website, or email events@phaa.net.au
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Grants and Funding Opportunities
Health Promotion Innovation Fund
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.
For more information: See the Guidelines, visit the ACT Government website
Community Support and Infrastructure Grants (CSIG) 2014-2015
ACT Government
This Grant Program aims to support ACT community organisations to deliver their programs and services effectively and efficiently for the benefit of members of the ACT community through the following three supports:
- Community Support and Capacity
- Non-fixed Infrastructure and Equipment
- Capital Works and Fixed Infrastructure.
For more information: See the Guidelines, visit the ACT Government website
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Consumer Participation
Consumer Representatives Training
Health Care consumers’ Association
This 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: 13-20 June 2015
Time: 9am – 4pm
Venue: HCCA Meeting Room, ACT Sports House, 100 Maitland St, Hackett
Cost: Free
For more information: Email sandraavila@hcca.org.au, or call (02) 6230 7800
Men and Muscle Survey
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)
NDARC is conducting a study to better understand the benefits and risks associated with performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs), and to examine current trends and issues within this group. To access the survey, click here.
For more information: email r.moodle@unsw.edu.au or b.larance@unsw.edu.au, or call (02) 8936 1007
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. To complete the survey, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/forsmokers
For more information: emailtpb996@uowmail.edu.au or call 0431 381 713
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Youth, Mental Health and Allied Sector
Canberra Mental Health & Wellbeing of Young People Seminar
Generation Next
This seminar is practically oriented, multi-disciplinary approach to common issues impacting the wellbeing of young people.
Date: 5 June 2015
Time: 9am – 5pm
Venue: Llewellyn Hall, The Australian National University
Cost: $240
For more information: See the brochure, visit the website www.generationnext.com.au, or call 1300 797 794
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Employment
PhD Scholarship
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)
The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) is offering a PhD scholarship to carry out innovative research on drug or alcohol related issues including, but not limited to, prevention activities or clinical interventions for substance use and disorders, epidemiology, health economics and drug policy research. NDARC provides a highly supportive study environment, with excellent facilities including desk space, regular training opportunities, computer access and statistical support. The scholarship will be offered for Semester 2, 2015 at $26,000 per year, with the opportunity for additional paid employment.
Closing date: 10 June 2015
For more information: Visit the NDARC website, or email tims@unsw.edu.au
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ACT Media
This section includes ATOD related media from or about the ACT
ATODA and the media
ACT Government commits another $800,000 to ice fight
Canberra Times, 19 May 2015
The ACT government has added an $800,000 funding boost to drug treatment and support services as part of the growing response to the drug ice.
For more information: See the article
Further funding for drug rehab
CityNews, 19 May 2015
Simon Corbell has announced an $800,000 funding boost for drug treatment and support services.
For more information: See the article
National Ice Taskforce urged to have rational response to drug treatment
Brisbane Times, 11 May 2015
A new national taskforce established to consider the impact of the drug ice has been warned by Canberra's peak drugs organisation to avoid alarmist commentary and response measures.
For more information: See the article
Tackling Ice, calls for more drug treatment services in the ACT
CityNews, 4 May 2015
The ACT’s peak drug body, Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA) has released a paper advising the ACT Government to strengthen its response to rising methamphetamine harms by giving Canberrans access to drug treatment when they need it.
For more information: See the article
Urgent need for $1.6 million to treat ice addiction in Canberra
Canberra Times, 4 May 2015
The scourge of ice has left Canberra's drug treatment services needing urgent investment of $1.6 million from next month's ACT budget, as users increasingly suffer from the effects of the higher-purity methamphetamine.
For more information: See the article
Canberra Times Editorial
Canberra Times, 21 April 2015
It is now routine for people seeking help in the Territory to be told that they have to wait two to three months for a place in a residential program. Carrie Fowler, chief executive of the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT, says of the deficit in shortfall that it "is unacceptable and perpetuates or prolongs crisis, risks and harms for people needing treatment, their families and the community".
For more information: See the article
Alcohol-related news
Don’t believe the hype, teens are drinking less than they used to
The Conversation, 20 May 2015
Michael Livingston, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW
Amy Pennay, Research Fellow, University of Melbourne
The media regularly brings the worst outcomes of young people’s drinking to our attention and points to a problematic drinking culture supposedly unique to young Australians. Little wonder people believe things have never been so bad.
For more information: See the article
My problem with your drinking: Australia’s hate-love relationship with alcohol
The Conversation, 19 May 2015
Paul Harrison, Senior Lecturer, Graduate School of Business, Deakin University
As the young people might say, what the …? A majority of Australians agree we have a problem with alcohol. But almost all say it’s not a problem of theirs – it’s a problem that exists somewhere outside of their world.
For more information: See the article
How alcohol makes you friendlier – but only to certain people
The Conversation, 18 May 2015
Ian Mitchell, Senior Lecturer, University of Birmingham
Drinking alcohol is associated with aggressive behaviour, accidents and ill health. Yet many of us choose to drink socially. This may reflect alcohol’s actions on specific brain circuits which make us feel euphoric and less anxious.
For more information: See the article
Booze, drugs and violence mark a night in the ACT Watch House
Canberra Times, 16 May 2015
The detainee sits still and unresponsive in a wheelchair. His head lolls forward as a crowd of police officers tries to get his attention.
For more information: See the article
Drinking alcohol while driving to become illegal in ACT; Territory road safety laws move into line with other jurisdictions
ABC News, 14 May 2015
It will soon be illegal to drink alcohol while driving in the ACT, bringing the Territory into line with most other jurisdictions in Australia.
For more information: See the article
Speed camera changes and ban on open alcohol in cars coming
Canberra Times, 13 May 2015
It will be last drinks for Canberra motorists as the ACT government cracks down on allowing open alcohol containers in cars.
For more information: See the article
Why we musn’t assume smoking and drinking only leads to certain cancers
The Conversation, 12 May 2015
Katie Newby, Health Psychologist and Research Fellow, Coventry University
Time Magazine raises an interesting issue, that when making sense of health and illness there is a tendency for people to assume a direct association between the pathological irritant, for example alcohol or smoking, and the part of the body affected.
For more information: See the article
One-punch attacker avoids further time behind bars
Canberra Times, 8 May 2015
The plan was simple. Smuggle methylamphetamine from Canberra to Darwin to resell for an easy profit on the more lucrative Northern Territory drugs market, it has been revealed in the ACT Supreme Court.
For more information: See the article
Australian alcohol consumption at 50-year low, ABS says
Canberra Times, 7 May 2015
Australians appear to be drinking less alcohol now than at any time in the past 50 years, according to figures released on Wednesday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
For more information: See the article
More than 150 Canberra drivers fail to stop or give way in April
Canberra Times, 6 May 2015
Ms Ball added police had caught more drivers at the same time last year but "the message is still not getting through" with most drivers still speeding or driving while impaired.
For more information: See the article
Man punched in the face, knocked unconscious in Canberra
Canberra Times, 4 May 2015
A man was punched in the face and knocked unconscious in Civic.
For more information: See the article
ACT moving too slow on alcohol law reform: report authors
Canberra Times, 30 April 2015
The ACT government should move more quickly to reform alcohol laws to improve public safety and reduce health problems from drinking, say the authors of a new report on Australian attitudes.
For more information: See the article
Drug and alcohol treatment court in the ACT could reduce prisoner numbers saving millions of dollars
Canberra Times, 30 April 2015
Ordering addicts into treatment instead of jail in a separate court system for drug-related crime could slash prisoner numbers and save the ACT millions of dollars, Directions ACT CEO Fiona Trevelyan says.
For more information: See the article
Think before you drink: alcohol’s calories end up on your waistline
The Conversation, 29 April 2015
Veronique Chachay, Research & Teaching Academic, University of Queensland
he lack of information about the energy content of alcoholic beverages is likely contributing to an underestimation of consumed energy.
For more information: See the article
Drug-related news
Cannabis grow house discovered in Fisher
Canberra Times, 25 May 2015
Two men will face court after police found more than 30 cannabis plants growing inside a Fisher house.
For more information: See the article
Canberra community services disturbed by impact of increasing crystal methylamphetamine use
ABC News, 25 May 2015
The Salvation Army and Aboriginal health service Winnunga Nimmityjah in Canberra are two organisations that have witnessed the devastating impact of the drug crystal methylamphetamine, commonly known as 'ice'.
For more information: See the article
Shock and awe ice campaigns a turn off: research
Canberra Times, 23 May 2015
When it comes to warning young people about the dangers of drugs, shock and awe advertising campaigns are a turn off, according to confidential research commissioned by the federal government.
For more information: See the article
The long-running war on drugs has failed: we need to legalise now
Canberra Times, 23 May 2015
The war on drugs has filled our jails, enriched the worst among us, wasted police resources and blotted up millions of dollars that could have been far better spent.
For more information: See the article
Cannabis kids: the long wait for change
Canberra Times, 22 May 2015
Across Australia increasing numbers of families are turning to cannabis as a last resort to relieve their children's seizures, chronic pain and a host of other suffering.
For more information: See the article
‘Hard-hitting new anti-ice ad’ an identical remake of 2007 ad
ABC News, 20 May 2015
The Federal Government has refused to say how much it paid for its "hard-hitting new advertising campaign" video warning of the dangers of the drug ice, which is a scene-for-scene remake of a 2007 ad.
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Extra funding allocated to combat growing ice drug addiction in Canberra
ABC News, 19 May 2015
An $800,000 funding boost to combat the rise of ice addiction and drug use in Canberra has been announced.
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My descent into the meth trap: a professional woman’s battle with ice
Canberra Times, 19 May 2015
From taking diet pills at 15 to an out-of-control ice addiction at 44, Virginia Perkins had a long history of swapping one bad habit for another, like a lot of drug users in denial.
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Canberra teen charged with drug trafficking offences
Canberra Times, 19 May 2015
A Canberra teenager has been charged with drug trafficking after a police investigation into illicit drugs being ordered online.
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Don’t panic: the ‘ice pandemic’ is a myth
Canberra Times, 18 May 2015
A Canberra teenager will undergo surgery after he was repeatedly punched in the face at a Civic nightclub in the early hours of Sunday.
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More cocaine seized in ACT but ice scourge continues to wreak havoc: report
Canberra Times, 15 May 2015
The amount of cocaine seized in the ACT jumped significantly in the past year, but ice has continued to present the biggest challenge to Australian law enforcement agencies.
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Amphetamine arrests nearly double in past five years according to Crime Commission’s Illicit Drug Data Report
ABC News, 15 May 2015
The number of amphetamine arrests across Australia has almost doubled in the past five years, as crime authorities warn they have never seen any substance as destructive as crystal methylamphetamine, or ice.
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Man pleads guilty to importing trafficable amounts of MDMA, cocaine, amphetamines to PO boxes
ABC News, 15 May 2015
A man has pleaded guilty to 23 charges of importing illicit drugs through Australia Post in the ACT Supreme Court.
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Struggle Street: No budget help for ice addicts like Corey
Canberra Times, 14 May 2015
Many in the sector are wondering what help will be available for people like Corey following Tuesday's federal budget. Up to $500 million is slated to be cut from the "flexible funds" component of the health budget, which includes two drug-related tranches.
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Father kept loaded shotgun and drugs in home he occupied with two-year-old child
Canberra Times, 14 May 2015
A Gordon man who kept a loaded shotgun, crossbow, and drugs unsecured in the home he shared with his two-year-old son has been jailed.
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Franklin man pleads guilty to drug importation through post office boxes
Canberra Times, 14 May 2015
A Franklin man has pleaded guilty to importing more than half-a-kilogram of illicit drugs to Canberra post office boxes under false names.
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Man pleads guilty to importing commercial quantity of drugs to front door
Canberra Times, 14 May 2015
A Canberra man has pleaded guilty to importing a commercial quantity of drugs to his front door.
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Ice addiction: Graphic ad campaign on dangers of drug launched by Federal Government
ABC News, 10 May 2015
The Federal Government's growing attack on the scourge of ice continues with a graphic ad campaign starting on television and online.
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Salvos workers face added strain due to Canberra’s ice scourge
Canberra Times, 8 May 2015
Violent and agitated ice addicts have put increased pressure on an ACT welfare service as more Canberrans seek help for substance abuse and financial burdens.
For more information: See the article
Plot to smuggle the drug Ice from Canberra to NT foiled by police bugs
Canberra Times, 8 May 2015
The plan was simple. Smuggle methylamphetamine from Canberra to Darwin to resell for an easy profit on the more lucrative Northern Territory drugs market, it has been revealed in the ACT Supreme Court.
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Ex-surfing world champion and recovering ice addict Tom Carroll warns users drug will ‘take everything’
ABC News, 6 May 2015
Former surfing world champion and recovering methamphetamine-addict Tom Carroll has issued a stern warning to casual users that the drug "will be their biggest taker".
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Drug busts and underage drinking mar well behaved Groovin the Moo crowd
Canberra Times, 4 May 2015
Two drug busts and a small number of underage drinkers marred an otherwise well-behaved crowd at Groovin the Moo.
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More than 100 ecstasy tablets seized by police in Wright
Canberra Times, 2 May 2015
A 24-year-old Wright woman will face court this morning after ecstasy, methamphetamine and cocaine were allegedly found in her car.
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Medical science student charged with drug offences
Canberra Times, 2 May 2015
A magistrate has warned a medical science student charged with drug offences to change her ways if she wants to realise her dream of becoming a doctor.
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Drug court proposal for the ACT has ample merit
Canberra Times, 1 May 2015
Occasionally, practical, commonsense observations do emerge from the general tumult – as for example when Directions ACT suggested this week that creating a drug court in the Territory might potentially slow the number of drug offenders being sent to the Alexander Maconochie Centre, reduce recidivism rates, and save the government millions of dollars.
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Alexander Maconochie Centre staff intercept drugs and electronics package
Canberra Times, 30 April 2015
A delivery of drugs, cigarette lighters, and electronics allegedly destined for inmates of Canberra jail was intercepted by authorities.
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Why making codeine products prescription-only is a good idea
The Conversation, 30 April 2015
Australia’s drug regulator is looking into reclassifying about 150 codeine-based drugs as prescription-only. This means they will no longer be available for purchase over the pharmacy counter. The easy and widespread availability of these opioid medicines is causing a substantial level of harm.
For more information: See the article
The war on drugs must end now
Canberra Times, 29 April 2015
Although most of us knew this was going to happen, on hearing the news of Andrew Chan's and Muyran Sukumaran's execution, I felt far more frustrated than I thought I would. Make no mistake - the failed and outdated "war on drugs" policy has taken the lives of two Australians. It's time to stop and reflect.
For more information: See the article
Over-the-counter sale of codeine pain killers such as Nurofen Plus and Panadeine may end
Canberra Times, 26 April 2015
Access to Nurofen Plus, Panadeine and other common painkillers sold to millions of Australians each year could soon be curtailed by health authorities amid reports of harmful side effects, addiction and fatal overuse.
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Senior Australian Government solicitor Nicholas Gouliaditis pleads guilty to drug supply
Canberra Times, 24 April 2015
A senior Sydney lawyer employed by the Australian government has pleaded guilty to supplying the drugs methylamphetamine (ice) and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and will be sentenced later this year.
For more information: See the article
ACT to work with NSW on trial of medical cannabis, says Chief Minister Andrew Barr
Canberra Times, 21 April 2015
The ACT will work with New South Wales on a medical cannabis trial, Chief Minister Andrew Barr says.
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Trials a step forward for medicinal cannabis but what comes next?
The Conversation, 21 April 2015
David Penington, Emeritus Professor, University of Melbourne
Queenslanders and Victorians with particular chronic illnesses may now be eligible to join New South Wales medicinal cannabis trials, due to start mid next year.
For more information: See the article
Overstretched residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation services turn addicts away
Canberra Times, 20 April 2015
Addicts are being turned away from residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment as demand pushes out wait times to six months, putting greater demand on counselling services.
For more information: See the article
Tobacco-related news
Smoking taxes make cigarette smuggling an increasingly attractive option
Canberra Times, 17 May 2015
When a government treats citizens like criminals they tend to respond like criminals. The federal government, as large and intrusive as it has ever been, has helped create an underworld trade that is costing multi-billions of dollars.
For more information: See the article
E-cigarettes accidently approved, left on Therapeutic Goods Administration register for two months
ABC News, 14 May 2015
A controversial device that can be used to inhale liquid nicotine was approved and left on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods for two months before the mistake was realised.
For more information: See the article
Flavoured e-cigarettes being sole alongside lollies aimed at children, Cancer Council warns
ABC News, 14 May 2015
E-cigarettes with appealing fruity flavours are being sold next to cash shop registers alongside lollies aimed at children, the Cancer Council has warned.
For more information: See the article
GP guide is wrong: patches and meds no better than cold turkey quitting
The Conversation, 5 May 2015
Ross MacKenzie, Lecturer in Health Studies, Macquarie University
Wendy Rogers, Professor in Clinical Ethics, Macquarie University
Around 85% of Australians visit a general practitioner each year and these appointments represent important opportunities for GPs to explain the health risks of smoking and discuss strategies to quit.
For more information: See the article
Woman suffers carbon monoxide poisoning after smoking hookah
Canberra Times, 4 May 2015
A 20-year-old woman has developed carbon monoxide poisoning after smoking a hookah waterpipe, leading doctors to warn that smoking the traditional pipes could be dangerous.
For more information: See the article
Waterpipe smoking is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking
Canberra Times, 4 May 2015
Waterpipe smoking is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking. Waterpipe users typically inhale greater amounts of smoke than cigarette smokers, with one session often exposing the user to the same amount of smoke as 50 to 100 cigarettes.
For more information: See the article
Want to quit smoking? Switching to e-cigarettes won’t help
The Conversation, 21 April 2015
Simon Chapman, Professor of Public Health, University of Sydney
A study published today in the leading journal Addiction might just change everything for electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).
For more information: See the article
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