National ATOD Projects

The Australian Government is undertaking or commissioning seven concurrent national projects from 1 July 2013 – 30 June 2014.
 
New webpage communicating national developments to ACT stakeholders
ATODA is seeking to support ACT stakeholders to effectively and efficiently engage in these  important national processes. One mechanism is through the development of a series of webpages (see the ATODA website) which will be updated monthly and developments will also be communicated through this ebulletin.
 
Review of the Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Services Sector
Project leaders: Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP), National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW
Funder: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
Project duration: July 2013 – June 2014
 
Following the finalisation of the Substance Misuse Service Delivery Grants Fund (SMSDGF) and Non-Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program (NGOTGP) funding rounds in early 2012, the former Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, the Hon Mark Butler MP, requested that the Department of Health and Ageing undertake a review of the drug and alcohol prevention and treatment services sector.
 
The Review aims to achieve:

• Clarity as to the range of services currently funded by governments, their distribution and the demographic groups targeted by these services;
• A common understanding amongst governments and the sector of current and future service needs and where there may be service gaps, either in relation to service type, geographic area and/or demographic groups;
• Clarity as to the type and timing of drug and alcohol funding activities undertaken by governments; and
• The development of a resource/tools to help focus future government funding activities to ensure existing levels of resources (and any growth funding) are used as efficiently and effectively as possible to deliver quality, sustainable drug and alcohol services that respond to the needs of individuals, families and communities.

 Current ACT activities:

• ATODA had several briefings from and meetings with DOHA and DPMP in July
• ATODA is engaging with the Review Team, DOHA NSW & ACT and ACT Health to identify times to visit the ACT in September 2013
• Once details have been confirmed details will be sent directly to NGOTGP and SMSDGF funded agencies.

For more information:  See the ATODA website

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Join and refer to the new ACT Work Order Program

Community Work and Social Development Programs and Voluntary Community Work Orders
Justice and Community Safety Directorate
 
It is now possible for people owing fines or infringement penalties, who satisfy relevant criteria, to discharge an outstanding fine or penalty through voluntary community work or a personal development program. It is anticipated that programs that will be approved for these arrangements will include those involving: voluntary community work; educational, vocational or life skills courses; alcohol and other drug treatment; financial and other counselling; and mentoring.
 
The Infringement Management Plan Unit is very keen to see more community sector organisations sign up to have programs they offer approved, as either community work programs or social development programs for the purpose of the scheme.
 
If your organisation is interested in either applying for approval of any programs it offers or obtaining further information about this matter, download the Application, or contact the infringement management plan unit on 6207 8754 or rusimpu@act.gov.au.
 
For more information: See the Community Work and Social Development Program Overview 2013, or the Voluntary Community Work Order Overview 2013
 
This initiative is an outcome of advocacy and policy development conducted by stakeholders, including ATODA, towards reforming the ACT infringement systems.

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ACT Policy
 
Improving Legal Services for Vulnerable People in the ACT
ACT Legal Assistance Forum
 
A discussion symposium that aims to ‘join the dots’ between people who are most vulnerable in the community and the legal services available to assist and to build on the ACT findings from the National Legal Needs Survey
Date: 28 August 2013
Venue: Upper Level 1, Brindabella Room, National Library of Australia, Parkes Place
Cost:  Free
RSVP: 21 August 2013
For more information or to register: See the symposium program, the registration form, or visit the Legal Aid ACT website

ACT Sentencing Inquiry
Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety, ACT Legislative Assembly

Under its terms, the Committee will inquire into sentencing practice in the ACT, its effects and implications, including:  the law, legal doctrine and rationale of contemporary sentencing practice; comparisons with other jurisdictions; rates of successful appeals regarding sentences; and timeliness in handing-down decisions and sentences.
The Committee will also consider ways in which contemporary sentencing practice in the ACT affects other parts of the justice system, including: the Courts; Corrective Services and the Alexander Maconochie Centre; ACT Policing; the legal profession; victims of crime; offenders; and community support organisations.
In particular, the Committee will consider the practice and effectiveness of current arrangements in the ACT for: parole; periodic detention; bail; Restorative Justice; and Circle Sentencing, and will consider alternative approaches to sentencing practice in the ACT and any other relevant matter.
For further information, including the terms of reference, visit: http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/in-committees/standing_committees/Justice-and-Community-Safety/inquire-into-sentencing-in-the-act
The closing date for submissions is 6 September 2013.
ATODA will be making a submission, to provide input please contact carrie@atoda.org.au

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Reducing barriers to employment for people with ATOD problems

Significant national ATOD specific work has occurred to advocate for improvements to the Job Services Australia Network and other barriers to employment in participation for people with ATOD problems.
 
Reducing barriers to employment – increasing opportunities for all 
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD), National Mental Health Commission, Prime Minister’s Council on Homelessness, Australian Social Inclusion Board, 1 August 2013
These four major bodies have issued a joint statement that Australia’s current system of employment services – Job Services Australia (JSA) – could work much more effectively for people who are experiencing social exclusion, homelessness, mental health issues, or drug and alcohol problems.
For more information: See the media release
 
Protecting our Investment in Treatment by Reducing Employment Barriers  
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD), 1 August 2013
The ANCD examined workforce participation because it recognises that employment can help people to successfully address drug and alcohol problems.
For more information: See the media release
 
Working Together for Greater Social Inclusion: Employment Services Roundtable Report
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD)
The ANCD convened a Roundtable on employment participation on 14 March, 2013. Attendees comprised of experts on employment services and representatives of the alcohol and other drug, homelessness, and mental health sectors with a view to improving opportunities for clients of these sectors.
 
The Roundtable participants agreed on five resolutions:

1. The current system of employment services does not work effectively for many people who are experiencing AOD problems, homelessness, mental health issues, or social exclusion. These people can and want to make a contribution to their community and society by engaging in meaningful and durable work.
2. There is a need to develop a more effective, client-focused system of employment assistance for people experiencing AOD problems, homelessness, mental health issues, or social exclusion, either as a component of the current system or as a separate system.
3. There is a need for far greater transparency in the current system and public release of available data.
4. The establishment of a meeting of the chairs of the Australian National Council on Drugs, the Prime Minister’s Council on Homelessness, the National Mental Health Commission, and the Social Inclusion Board, with the Prime Minister, to discuss these issues will be pursued.
5. This report is to be submitted to the Employment Services Beyond 2015 consultation, providing a set of recommendations to improve employment services to people who are experiencing AOD problems, homelessness, mental health issues, or social exclusion

 For more information: See the Employment Submission, or visit the ANCD website

ANCD Employment Participation Survey: Full Report
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD)
This document provides a summary of the outcomes of a survey conducted by the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) to ascertain the views of front line workers in the drug and alcohol services sector in regard to employment participation issues confronting their clients.
The main findings were related to:

• AOD service clients’ employment status and potential
• Barriers to employment
• Knowledge about Job Service Australia (JSA) providers
• Relationships with JSA providers
• AOD service clients’ and workers’ evaluations of JSA
• Reservations referring clients to JSA providers
• Models of employment assistance for AOD clients
• AOD services’ capacity to provide employment support
• AOD clients and employment participation

For more information: See the Employment Survey report, or visit the ANCD website

ANCD Position Paper: Pre-employment Criminal Record Checks August 2013
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD)
The use of criminal record checks to vet potential employees has expanded dramatically in Australia in recent years, with a 600 per cent increase in checks processed. While there are some legitimate reasons to perform criminal record checks before making offers of employment, the practice can have disproportionate effects on the employment opportunities and lives of people with criminal records. Those with alcohol or other drug problems who have a criminal record can benefit greatly from being employed. Employment can aid social integration and rehabilitation from alcohol or other drug problems, and help people meet their treatment aims. people with alcohol or drug use problems or histories may, however, face multiple barriers in obtaining work. For those who also have a criminal record, the use of pre-employment criminal record checks is an additional and significant barrier.
ANCD believes that there are significant reasons to limit the use of pre-employment criminal record checks.
For more information: See the ANCD Position Paper
 
ANCD Position Paper: Drug Testing August 2013
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD)
The Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) is aware of the continuing calls to introduce drug-testing programs in various settings, and has developed this position paper to examine the costs and benefits of drug testing, and drug testing programs (including a focus on workplaces). The ANCD supports evidence-based practice, and recognises the need for interventions introduced to be ethically acceptable, minimally intrusive, and developed consistently with best practice.
For more information: See the ANCD Position Paper

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Sector Development and Events
 
International Overdose Awareness Day: 31 August 2013 
International Overdose Awareness Day aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death, especially for those mourning the loss of family and friends. It also spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.
For more information: Visit the International Overdose Awareness Day website, call (03) 9650 0699 or email info@overdoseday.com. ATODA will release a special alert ebulletin next week.
 
NSW/ACT Alcohol Policy Alliance (NAAPA) Launch in the ACT
NAAPA aims to reduce alcohol-related harms by ensuring that evidence-based solutions inform alcohol policy discussions in NSW and ACT.
The ACT launch of NAAPA coincided with the release of the paper, Alcohol consumption and harms in the ACT.
For more information: Visit the NAAPA website.
 
ACT NAIDOC Awards Winners  
National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC)
Congratulations to all ACT NAIDOC Awards Winners for 2013:

• Person of the Year: Bill Bashford (Sponsored by Canberra and District NAIDOC Committee)
• Elder of the Year: Roslyn Brown (Sponsored by Canberra and District NAIDOC Committee)
• Youth of the Year: Brendan Trudgen (Sponsored by Australian Federal Police)
• Sportperson of the Year: Brendan Trudgen (Sponsored by Canberra and District NAIDOC Committee)
• Scholar of the Year: Ray Lovett (Sponsored by the University of Canberra)
• Apprentice / Trainee of the Year: Krystal Hurst (Sponsored by ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Elected Body)
• Artist of the Year: Ceretha Skinner (Sponsored by Canberra and District NAIDOC Committee)
• Organisation / Agency / Committee of the Year: Yurauna Centre, CIT (Sponsored by Aboriginal Hostels Limited)
• Non-Indigenous Person / Organisation’s Contribution to the Indigenous Community: Greg Chapman (Sponsored by Canberra and District NAIDOC Committee)
• Caring for Country: Yurung Dhaura Aboriginal Land Management (Sponsored by Canberra and District NAIDOC Committee)
• VET Indigenous Student of the Year: David Naden (Sponsored by Yurauna Centre, CIT)
• ACT Indigenous Community Sector Worker of the Year: Clide Chatfield (Sponsored by ACTCOSS and bankmecu)
• ACT Indigenous Business of the Year: Bandu Catering (Sponsored by Economic Development Directorate, ACT Government)
• Community Spirit Award: Reggie Hodges (Sponsored by Canberra and District NAIDOC Committee)
• Mr NAIDOC: Kaden Chivers (Sponsored by Canberra and District NAIDOC Committee)
• Miss NAIDOC: Belinda Whyte (Sponsored by Canberra and District NAIDOC Committee)

For more information: Visit the NAIDOC website
 
Launch of Dhunlung Yarra Service
Relationships Australia Canberra & Region
The service is a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander therapeutic service staffed by qualified Aboriginal professionals. Members of the team provide a range of culturally appropriate services, including counselling, family dispute resolution and other relationship support services. The launch highlighted a vision of the "grannies group" for a counselling service to assist healing within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Dhunlung Yarra means 'Tell, Talk', using words from both the Ngunnawal (Dhunlung) and Wiradjuri (Yarra) language.
For more information: Call 1300 364 277 or visit the Relationships Australia Canberra & Region website
 
The Story Project Video – First Aboriginal Legal Service
Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
The Story Project tells the story of the first Aboriginal Legal Service in Australia, following its path from its beginning to where they are today. The Story Project is an initiative of the Board of Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) to celebrate 40 years of service to the community.
For more information: See the video, or email media@aisnswact.org.au
 
Human Rights Awards 2013   
Australian Human Rights Commission
Nominations are now open for the 2013 Human Rights Awards. AHRC are encouraging the public to nominate people who have contributed to human rights in Australia. The aim is to recognise people who are working to achieve better human rights outcomes in their work or community. There are 10 award categories open for nominations. These include: The Human Rights Medal; The Young People’s Human Rights Medal; The Business Award; The Literature Award; The Print and Online Media Award, the Radio Award, the Television Award; The Community Organisation Award, and The Law Award.
Nominations close: 13 September 2013
For more information: See the nomination form or visit the Awards website

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Newsletters, Magazines and Updates
 
Of Substance eBulletin
Australian National Council on Drugs
The Of Substance e-bulletin provides updates for the alcohol and drug sector. This month’s theme is: “Job services under fire”.
For more information: See the latest August issue

Anex bulletin
The Anex Bulletin is the Australian Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) sector’s magazine. The Anex Bulletin canvasses a range of NSP-related issues and keeps harm reduction workers up-to-date with new information, research findings and emerging issues for the sector. This month’s theme is: “Profits dwarf drug responses”.
For more information: See the latest issue
 
Smoke Free Environment Initiative Newsletter
ACT Government Health Directorate
This newsletter is an update about the implementation of a Smoke Free Environment within the Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, Alcohol and Drug Services, ACT Health.
For more information: See the latest issue

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Resources and other Publications

NCIS Fact Sheet April 2013 – Opioid Related Deaths
National Coronial Information System (NCIS)
To identify opioid related deaths on the NCIS, a search was undertaken of all closed cases that occurred between 1^st January 2007 and 31^st December 2009, where the object code was “Pharmaceutical Substances for Human Use” (PSHU). Cases were manually reviewed and confirmed as an opioid related death either when an opioid was referred to within the cause of death, when the object coding involved an opioid drug type, or where the object free text field contained reference to an opioid. From this dataset results were complied to create this fact sheet.
For more information: See the fact sheet, or visit the NCIS website
 
Low Literacy Cannabis Resources
National Cannabis Prevention and Intervention Centre (NCPIC)
The National Cannabis Prevention and Intervention Centre (NCPIC) has developed a new suite of easy-to-read, illustrated cannabis-related resources, designed for people with low literacy skills. These resources, comprising four booklets and five accompanying posters, contain very little text, and instead attempt to convey important messages through culturally appropriate images.
For more information: See the ‘What is cannabis’ booklet, or visit the NCPIC website
 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Worker Wellbeing – Peer Reviewed Papers 
National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA)
The NCETA recently published two papers that address the issue of worker wellbeing amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alcohol and other drug workers (AOD) and also raise a number of issues that are relevant for the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.

1. ‘The health and well-being of Indigenous drug and alcohol workers: Results from a national Australian survey’
2. ‘Sharing stories: Indigenous alcohol and other drug workers’ well-being, stress and burnout’

For more information: Visit the NCETA website, email nceta@flinders.edu.au, or call (08) 8201 7535
 
Trauma-informed Services and Trauma-specific Care for Indigenous Australian Children Resource Sheet
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Australian Institute of Family Studies
Trauma research specific to Indigenous Australian children and their families is in its infancy. Hard evaluative data are comparatively rarely available in the peer-reviewed literature. However, evidence takes many forms. Consequently, this paper draws on documented practice experience; that is, writings from trauma and research experts on how, where and why they are delivering trauma-informed services and trauma-specific care to aid the healing and recovery of victims/survivors of trauma. It is also informed by relevant literature from diverse fields such as neurodevelopment.
For more information: See the resource sheet, or visit the AIHW website
 
New Institute of Child Protection Studies Research to Practice Series
Institute of Child Protection Studies (ICPS)
The Research to Practice Series links the findings of research undertaken by the Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University, to the development of policy and practice in the area of child, youth and family welfare. These issues are produced quarterly, and Issues 1 and 2 are now available:

1. Interventions and practice principles for supporting young people who are homeless: This practice issue provides an overview of the interventions and practice principles that are effective in supporting young people who are homeless. It draws upon the findings of a research project implemented by ICPS in 2011, which examined Reconnect services in Australia.
2. Identity and meaning in the lives of vulnerable young people: This practice issue discusses the role and potency of identity and meaning in the lives of vulnerable young people, and the implications of this for support services. It is based upon the findings of a qualitative research project implemented by ICPS in 2012, which interviewed 24 vulnerable young people about identity and meaning in their lives.

For more information: Visit the ICPS website, or email erin.barry@acu.edu.au

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Training and Professional Development

August – September 2013 Training and Professional Development Calendar
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The ACT Training and Professional Development Calendar collates training and professional development opportunities for workers in the alcohol, tobacco and other drug, youth, mental health, family support and community sectors.
Download the training calendar
To include your training in the next calendar, email kate@youthcoalition.net or call the Youth Coalition on (02) 6247 3540.

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

ACT Comorbidity Bus Tours
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT (MHCC) and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The Comorbidity Bus Tour seeks to increase the capacity of frontline workers to support people experiencing co-occurring ATOD and mental health issues (comorbidity). The Comorbidity Bus Tour visits a variety of services in the ACT from the alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD), mental health and youth sectors.
The next Comorbidity Bus Tour for 2013 will be Tour B on 21 August 2013.
For more information: Visit ATODA's website, email kate@youthcoalition.net or call (02) 6247 3540
 
Ngunnawal Centre’s Foundation Program – University of Canberra Courses
Ngunnawal Centre
The Ngunnawal Centre’s Foundation Program serves as an alternate pathway into university for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. It is suited to those who may not meet the academic requirements needed to gain entry into their preferred undergraduate degree. The program is designed specifically for high school graduates and mature aged students who would like to further develop the academic skills required to succeed at university.
During a 14-week semester, communication and study skills are enhanced to ensure that once you commence your degree, you are equipped with everything you will need to succeed academically. In addition to two Foundation units, you will also undertake one undergraduate unit which counts towards your degree. The Ngunnawal Centre Foundation Program also provides a smoother transition into the everyday demands of university life.
For more information: Email ngunnawal@canberra.edu.au or call (02) 6201 2998
 
Domestic Violence Awareness Training: Advanced Sessions
ACT Domestic Violence Prevention Council and the Family Law Pathways Network
This training will cover: how best to respond to clients who disclose that they are/have lived with violence; phases involved in leaving a violent relationship and how to work with clients in these various stages; difficulties of working with the intersection of legal systems relating to domestic violence - civil (relating to protection orders), family law, criminal law and child protection; specific complexities which affect groups (such as CALD, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Muslim communities) as explored through case studies.
Date: 19 September 2013
Time: 1:30pm - 4:30 pm
Cost: Free
Venue: Legal Aid ACT, Level 1, 2 Allsop St, Canberra City
RSVP: Essential
For more information and to register: Contact Margaret Crawford by email Margaret.crawford@legalaidact.org.au
 
1 Day Appreciation of Torres Strait Culture Awareness Training 
ACT Council of Social Service Inc (ACTCOSS)
This one-day training for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers aims to assist participants in developing a better understanding of the cultural perspectives of Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. The training will explore ways for organisations to develop a better understanding of some key issues such as culture, kinship and community. This training assists participants in developing and improving a range of cross-cultural communication skills.
Date: 29 August 2013
Time: 9:30am - 4:30 pm
Cost: $176 ATCOSS members, $250 Non-members, $325 Government/Corporate
Venue: ACTCOSS meeting Room,1/6 Gritten St, Weston
For more information and to register:  Visit the event website, contact Lisa Wells by phone (02) 6202 7200 or email actcoss@actcoss.org.au
 
Aboriginal Culture, History and Heritage Training
ACT Council of Social Service Inc (ACTCOSS)
This one-day workshop for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers provides participants with a general introduction into the recent history of Aboriginal people in Australia. It aims to improve knowledge of Aboriginal culture and dispossession, and explores ways organisations may improve their practice to respond to the needs of Aboriginal peoples.
Date: 6 September 2013
Time: 9:30am - 4:30 pm
Cost: $176 ATCOSS members, $250 Non-members, $325 Government/Corporate
Venue: ACTCOSS meeting Room,1/6 Gritten St, Weston
For more information and to register:  Visit the event website, contact Lisa Wells by phone (02) 6202 7200 or email actcoss@actcoss.org.au

‘Child Aware Supervision” eLearning course   
Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI), Australian Centre for Child Protection (ACCP), and National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA)
The ‘Child Aware Supervision’ eLearning course has been produced by COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness) to train supervisors in strategies that promote child and family-sensitive practice. This course is for supervisors in adult-focussed health and social services (e.g. mental health, drug and alcohol, domestic violence, housing, etc.)
Cost: Free
For more information and to register:  Visit the COPMI website and see the registration form

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Conferences and Symposiums

T2013 – 20^th International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety Conference
International Council on Alcohol, Drugs & Traffic Safety (ICADDTS)
The Conference will be a global forum at which all those involved in road safety research, policy, education, enforcement and injury prevention, particularly from the fields of drugs and alcohol, can meet with researchers, academics and professionals to discuss and present on the latest work being undertaken in these areas.
Date: 25-28 August 2013
Cost:  $895 ICADTS Member, $995 Non-Member, $525 Student
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane
For more information and to register: Visit the Conference website, email t2013@qut.edu.au or call (07) 3138 9357

I2S Conference 
The Australian National University, Centre of Excellence in Policing and Security
This is the first global conference on research integration and implementation. The conference will focus on:

• Linking networks: Bringing together researchers and educators who use systems-based, action-oriented, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, or transdisciplinary approaches
• Taking stock: Learning from case studies which tackle complex real-world problems such as climate change, organised crime, aged care. Compiling effective concepts and methods for synthesising knowledge, managing risk and other unknowns, and supporting policy and practice change
• Planning for the future: Identifying common ground, establishing synergies, joining forces.

Date: 8 - 11 September 2013
Venue: Manning Clark Centre, The Australian National University
For more information: Visit the I2S website, or see the Canberra program
 
Neuroethics Down-Under  
University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR)
The Neuroethics Group, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, led by Professor Wayne Hall will be hosting a one-day conference exploring the ethical, social, legal and policy implications of neurobiological research on mental illness and addiction. Topics include:

• The impact of neuroscience on public and private understandings of addiction
• The future of tobacco control
• Cognitive enhancement
• Sports concussion
• DBS, dopamine and compulsive behaviour

Date: 4 October 2013
Venue: UQCCR, level 2 auditorium, Brisbane, Qld
Cost: $100 Full registration, $50 Student registration, Free for staff & students of UQCCR and QBI
Registration close: 20 September 2013
For more information and to register: Visit UQCCR website, see the program, email neuroethics@uq.edu.au, or call (07) 3346 5475

Australian Smoking Cessation Conference 2013
University of Sydney, Smoking Research Unit
The conference is focusing on four main themes: Smoking in Pregnancy, in Adolescents, in Mental Health and in Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders.  Attendees will gain in depth knowledge in these topics through workshops conducted by these specialists, as well as up to date presentations on research and clinical practice in all areas of smoking cessation.
All accepted abstracts will be published in The Journal of Smoking Cessation, a Cambridge University Press Publication.
Date: 6 – 8 November 2013
Cost:  $500 Early-Bird Full Registration / $550 General Full Registration
Venue: Sydney Nursing School, Level 1, 88 Mallett St, Camperdown
For more information: Visit the University of Sydney website, email smoking.research@sydney.edu.au or call (02) 9351 0816

2013 Australian Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Conference
Public Health Association Australia (PHAA), Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE)
The conference will focus on prevention; screening and diagnosis; community and practice; policy and practice; and support for those who are affected by FASD. The event will also outline up to date research and surveillance information and policy implications for FASD in the region.
Date: 19 - 20 November 2013
Cost: $625 Earlybird registration (before 31 August), $700 Standard registration, $350 One-day registration
Venue: Royal Brisbane and Royal Women’s Education Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Queensland
For more information: Visit the PHAA website, see the flyer, or the registration form
 
APSAD Scientific Conference 2013: Bridging Knowledge and Practice
Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD)
This conference will feature an exciting program which includes international and national speakers, focussing on new treatment, prevention and policy in the areas of drugs and alcohol research.       
Important dates: registration 22 May; Early bird registration deadline 4 September 2013.
Date: 24 – 27 November 2013
Venue: The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Queensland
For more information: Visit the APSAD Conference website, email apsadconference@arinex.com.au or call (02) 9265 0700

13^th Social Research Conference on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Related Diseases
Centre for Social Research in Health (CSRH)
Abstracts are now accepted for submission. The theme of the conference is “promises & limitations: biomedical treatment and prevention in the real world”. Delegates will be asked to consider how biomedical technologies shape our understanding of the treatment and prevention of blood borne viruses, illicit drug use, chronic illness and sexually transmitted infections. The conference offers an opportunity to think critically about biomedicalisation, specifically the way that it helps or challenges understandings of treatment and prevention, the promises it holds and the extent to which these promises materialise.
Deadline for abstract submission: 30 September 2013
Date: 20 – 21 February 2014
Venue: John Niland Scientia Building, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW
For more information: Visit the CSRH website, email csrh@unsw.edu.au or call (02) 9385 6776

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AIVL’s new resources about Hepatitis Testing
Australian Injecting & illicit Drug Users League (AIVL)
AIVL encourage people who are or have been injecting drugs to think about getting tested or have a Fibroscan to check out the overall health of the liver.
For more information: Visit the AIVL website, see the information sheet about Fibroscan, or see the ”Testing 123… Hepatitis C Testing for Injecting Drug Users” booklet
 
On Track! For ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Capital Careers, ACT Health Alcohol and Drug Services and the Aboriginal Justice Centre
This program is being run at Capital Careers in Belconnen. Its aimed at helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people get support and direction with getting their life back on track and learn new skills at the same time. It is suited to those who are unemployed or who need to be given a go. See the attached flyer for more information.
For more information: Call Capital Careers (02) 6253 0682, Karen Carney (02) 6205 8387 or Brendan Church (02) 6162 1000
 
Consumer Bites
Health Care Consumers’ Association
The Consumer Bites is the Health Care Consumers’ Association newsletter. It provides information about current projects, local and national health issues, local events and the latest research developments.
For more information:  See the latest issue

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National Policy

New Research Shows Plain Packaged Tobacco is Helping to Put People off Smoking
Australian Government
The first study of the effects of the Government’s plain packaged tobacco reforms show they are working to put people off smoking - increasing smokers’ urgency to quit and making smoking less appealing, Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek said.
For more information: See the article published in British Medical Journal, see the media release, or the Canberra Times article

Launch of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 
Department of Health and Ageing
The Australian Government has released the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan – an evidence-based policy framework to guide policies and programs to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health over the next decade.
For more information: See the Health Plan, see the media release, email enquiries.natsihp@health.gov.au, or call (02) 6289 8111

Government steps up right against sexually transmissible infections and blood borne viruses 
Australian Government
The Government announced that it will invest around $30 million for a major new prevention program and research to address increasing rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
The announcement includes over $5 million in funding for improving testing, diagnosis and update of treatment for hepatitis B and over $5 million to reduce hepatitis and other blood borne virus rates by improving access to needle and syringe programs in rural and regional areas.
The funds were approved as part of the 2013 Federal budget and will be allocated over 4 years regardless of which party wins the Federal election on 7 September.
For more information: See the full media release from Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research Tanya Plibersek, or see the Hepatitis Australia
 
ACT Closing the Gap Report 2013: Progress Outcome for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples   
ACT Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Community Services Directorate
The ACT Closing the Gap Report 2013 provides the latest available information for the ACT covering early childhood, education, health, economic participation, healthy homes, safe communities and governance and leadership.
For more information: See the Report, the media release, or the ABC News article

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Community Sector Reform