National Policy

Another Important Hepatitis C Therapy Added to the PBS
Hepatitis ACT
 
Hepatitis ACT welcomed news of the 1 May 2016 listing of VIEKIRA PAK on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The addition of VIEKIRA PAK to the arsenal of new generation hepatitis C therapies expands the options to treat hepatitis C genotype 1 without the use of interferon (which often has significant side-effects).
John Didlick, Executive Officer at Hepatitis ACT said “This is further good news for the estimated 58,000 Australians already living with moderate to severe liver disease resulting from hepatitis C, including those unable to be given existing treatments. We congratulate Health Minister Sussan Ley for listing VIEKIRA PAK.”
 
For more information: See the full media release
 

Pill Testing to be Introduced at Music Festivals in Every State Except NSW
VICE
 
Festival season may seem like a distant, glittering mirage on the other side of winter, but pill testing advocate Dr David Caldicott already has big plans. The senior ANU medical lecturer has revealed he's in talks with police and politicians around Australia, and will be introducing pill-testing trials at Australian music festivals within the next year.
 
For more information: See the Vice article
 
 
Prioritisation of Strategic Activities
Capital Health Network (CHN)
 
CHN submitted CHN Annual Plans and budgets to the Department of Health, based on the priority issues and associated strategies identified in the 2016 Baseline Needs Assessment.  This included the 2016-2017 Plans for mental health, alcohol and drugs and flexible funding.
 
For more information: See the CHN communiqué, or call (02) 6287 2600
 
 
National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions: Online Public Consultation on the Second Draft
Australian Government
 
The purpose of this consultation is to seek broader stakeholder and community feedback on the second draft National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions prior to finalising the Framework.
 
The diverse perspectives, experience and knowledge of all stakeholders and interested members of the community, including people with chronic condition/s, families, carers, health care professionals, researchers, community and non-government organisations, all levels of government, industry and business, are informing the development of the Framework. This input is valued and appreciated.
 
For more information: Visit the Australian Government website
 
 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care
 
The third three-year action plan for implementing the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020 has recently been released.
 
One of the action plan strategies is that all States and Territories commit to continuing to fully implement the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle (ATSICPP).
 
ATSICPP is the cornerstone of Australian law and policy acknowledging the importance of family, cultural and community connections to the identity and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who come into contact with the statutory child protection system.
 
The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) developed a document detailing the principle’s historical development, its definition, its five core elements (prevention, partnership, placement, participation, connections), and structural changes needed to ensure accountability for compliance.

For more information: See the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle: Aims and Core Elements or the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle Documentation – ACT 

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Reflections on the UN General Assembly Session on Drugs – engagement of civil society
 
As the UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on drugs was held at the end of April 2016 and the CSTF has now finalised its statements and reports, Professor Margaret Hamilton provided her own report and reflections on this experience.
 
This report aims to provide information and some reflection on engagement in UNGASS including:

• background context for civil society involvement in UN drug policy debates
• the development of the CSTF and its role/status
• information about the consultations the CSTF engaged in and selection of civil society speakers for the UNGASS
• UNGASS 2016 & the Outcome document
• Reflections on civil society engagement 

For more information: See the Report

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194 Member States Commit to Eliminating Viral Hepatitis at World Health Assembly

On 28 May, 194 Member States made a historic commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. At the 69th World Health Assembly, governments unanimously voted to adopt the first ever Global Viral Hepatitis Strategy, signalling the greatest global commitment in viral hepatitis to date.
 
The Strategy sets a goal of eliminating hepatitis B and C by 2030 and includes a set of prevention and treatment targets which, if reached, will reduce annual deaths by 65% and increase treatment to 80%, saving 7.1 million lives globally by 2030.
 
Worldwide viral hepatitis kills 1.4 million people every year – more than HIV or malaria, and are among the leading causes of liver cirrhosis and cancer. With vaccines and effective treatments for hepatitis B and a cure for hepatitis C available, the targets outlined in the strategy are feasible and eliminating hepatitis by 2030 is achievable.

For more information: See the full Statement from World Hepatitis Alliance

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Sector Development, Events and Activities
 
Film Screening: Prison Songs
The Australian National University (ANU)

Aboriginal citizens make up 30 per cent of the Northern Territory’s population but in its largest prison; over 80 per cent of the inmates are Indigenous.
This documentary gives voice to these normally overlooked Australian citizens.
 
Panel speakers are:

• Ms Aimee Capper & Harold (volunteer), The Connection
• Professor Michael Levy, Clinical Director, Justice Health Services, ACT Health
• Father Frank Brennan, Professor of Law, Australian Catholic University

 
Date: 2 August 2016
Time: 5:30 – 8pm
Venue: Finkel Lecture Theatre, John Curtin School of Medical Research, 131 Garran Rd, ANU
RSVP: Visit the eventbrite page
 
For more information: See the flyer, email rcs.executiveassistant@anu.edu.au, or call (02) 6125 7657
 
 
Recovery Services Report
The Salvation Army

This is the most recent report on the evaluation and research project looking at the evidence-based practice of the Salvation Army Recovery Services in Eastern Australia.
 
For more information: See the Report or call (02) 9466 3577
 
 
Pregnant Pause Website
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE)

The innovative campaign encourages Australians to go alcohol free during their pregnancy, or the pregnancy of a loved one. Supported by the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government under the ACT Health Promotion Grants Program, Pregnant Pause will be working closely with local partners over the next three years to encourage Canberrans to sign up and take the pledge and contribute towards a healthier ACT community.
 
The campaign will feature an extensive digital and social media component coupled with broadcast advertisements on television and radio, community activities and events throughout the next few months leading up to International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day on 9 September.

For more information: Visit the Pregnant Pause website, email info@pregnantpause.com.au or call 1300 728 735
 
 
Game Changer+ Media Literacy Program
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Assistant Minister for Health, Meegan Fitzharris MLA, will officially launch the Game Changer+ media literacy program in Canberra on Friday 29 July. 
Game Changer+ aims to increase the ability of high school students to think critically about alcohol advertising messages. The program provides a range of information and resources to teach students media literacy skills so they can interpret and challenge unhealthy advertising. 
 
Date: 29 Jul 2016
Time: 10:30-11:30am
Venue: Theatrette, Canberra Museum and Gallery, Canberra City
For more information and to register: email kelli-anne.bertram@fare.org.au or call (02) 6122 8600
 
 
Stigma and Discrimination Survey – Hepatitis C and Injecting Drug Use
University of New South Wales (UNSW)

This survey is part of a broader project run by the Centre for Social Research in Health at UNSW Australia and funded by the Australian government, in response to the suite of national BBV/STI strategies. The project aims to investigate experiences of stigma and discrimination among people living with these infections.
 
This project aims to collect input from affected communities on experiences of stigma and discrimination. This information will feed directly back into the national strategies addressing BBVs/STIs . Ultimately, these findings could be used to help reduce the negative impacts of stigma and discrimination on the health of people living with BBVs/STIs.
 
The survey closes on 31 October 2016. To complete the survey click here.
 
For more information: Email e.cama@unsw.edu.au or call 1800 076 021
 
 
e-Mental Health Support Service Survey
National Institute for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University

As part of an Australian Department of Health funded project (eMHPrac) they are seeking to understand Australian primary health care service provider awareness and use of online mental health services. They have conducted annual surveys in 2014 and 2015. This is the third survey. Summary findings will be used in reports compiled for the Department of Health and published in scientific forums such as journals and conference presentations.
 
The survey closes on 31 August 2016. To complete the survey click here. 
 
For more information: email emhprac@anu.edu.au or call (02) 6125 7275
 
 
Women’s Health Survey
Women’s Centre for Health Matters (WCHM)

Women’s Centre for Health Matters (WCHM) is conducting a community consultation survey around women’s health utilisation. This is an opportunity for women to share their voices and let WCHM know what is working and not working for them when seeking to maintain good health. They are looking for women aged 16 and over, who live and work in the ACT.  The goals of the survey are to understand:

1. How do women understand and manage their health needs?
2. Which health services are being utilised and whether there are barriers to that access?
3. What are women’s preferred methods of seeking health information and are there barriers to information seeking?

The survey closes on 31 July 2016. To complete the survey click here.
 
For more information: email ed@wchma.org.au or call (02) 6290 2166
 
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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 C on 10 August 2016.

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


June - July 2016 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 June - July 2016 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
 

Law for Non-Lawyers Program
Legal Aid ACT & Community Legal Centre

Legal training sessions will be delivered during July to November. Each session will be held fortnightly on a Wednesday morning. Each session is at the same time and in the same location.
 
Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Venue: Legal Aid, first floor, 2 Allsop St, Canberra City
Cost: Free
 
For more information: Email carol.benda@legalaidact.org.au or call (02) 6243 3463
 
 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competency Training
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Childcare (SNAICC)

A two-day Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competency Workshop for family and community services. SNAICC developed this training in partnership with Family Relationships Services Australia (FRSA), to support family and relationship services work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children. The program is based in their popular resource 'Working and Walking Together'. Each participant will receive a copy of this resource.
 
Date: 10 – 11 August 2016
Time: 9am – 4:30pm
Venue: Weston Hub Meeting Room, 6 Gritten St, Weston
Cost: ACTCOSS Member $650, Non-Member $700, Government/Corporate $750
 
For more information: Visit the eventbrite page, email actcoss@actcoss.org.au or call (02) 6202 7200
 
 
The Common Approach to Improving Child and Family Wellbeing
Australian Research Alliance for Children & Youth (ARACY)

This training is an evidence-based framework designed to support professionals to have quality conversations with young people and their families about all aspects of wellbeing. Underpinned by four key evidence-based practices (holistic, strengths-based, working in partnership and child-centred).
 
The Common Approach helps practitioners to:

• quickly identify strengths to address clients’ needs
• think holistically about child and family wellbeing
• improve family relationships and referral pathways
• increase the level of support and follow up for vulnerable families
• increase practitioners’awareness of their role in preventing abuse and neglect
• facilitate better wellbeing outcomes for the client. 

Date: 10 August 2016
Time: 9:15am – 4pm
Venue: ARACY Canberra Office, Level 3, 60 Marcus Clarke, Canberra City
Cost: $600

For more information: Visit the ARACY website, or call (02) 6248 2400

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Conferences and Symposiums

2016 ACTCOSS Conference
ACT Council of Social Service Inc. (ACTCOSS)

This year ACTCOSS is hosting a conference on the theme of ACT 2020: Citizen Voice, Community Vision. This theme has ended up being very timely. The Federal Election results indicate many voters do not believe mainstream political processes reflect their interests or priorities. 
 
Date: 4 & 5 August 2016
Venue: Rydges Capital Hill, 17 Canberra Ave, Forrest
Cost: ACTCOSS member 1-day registration $165, 2-day $330; non-member 1-day $185, 2-day $370
 
For more information: See the program, visit the eventbrite page
 
 
Australian Youth AOD Conference
Youth Support and Advocacy Service, Centre for Youth AOD Practice Development and Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice (YoDAA)

This year the theme is “Every Experience Matters”.
 
Practitioners supporting young people create opportunities for positive development, and understand the influence of structural conditions on the lives of their clients.
 
The Conference will explore these structural influences (day 1), and then provide the participants with the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge for their work with young people (day 2).
 
Date: 25 & 26 August 2016
Venue: Melbourne City Conference Centre, 333 Swanston St, Melbourne
Cost: Before 12 August 2016 $250
 
For more information: See the flyer, or visit the conference website
 

Current Issues in Substance Use: The Bigger Picture
National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)

Registration is now open for The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre’s Annual Symposium Current Issues in Substance Use: The Bigger Picture.
 
This year’s Symposium will have a particular focus on issues of social disadvantage, which will be the theme of the opening session and of their opening keynote speech.
 
Date: 12 September 2016
Venue: John Niland Scientia Conference and Events Centre, UNSW, Sydney
Cost: Before 12 August 2016 $250
 
For more information: Visit the NDARC website
 
 
4^th National Indigenous Drug & Alcohol Conference (NIDAC)
Aboriginal Drug & Alcohol Council (SA) Inc.

The theme of the Conference is Showing Initiative: AOD Interventions Required to Close the Gap by 2030.
 
The Conference will highlight the contributing role that harmful alcohol and other drugs use has on the health and life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the interventions that are required to close the life equality gap that exists between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians by the year 2030.
 
Date: 11 - 14 October 2016
Venue: Stamford Grand Hotel, Adelaide
Cost: Early bird $770
 
For more information: Visit the website, or email denise@adac.org.au
 
 
APSAD Scientific Alcohol and Drug Conference
Australian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD)

APSAD 2016 Conference will focus on emerging issues, new treatment, prevention, and policy approaches to the drug and alcohol field and will feature an impressive selection of international and national keynote speakers as well as concurrent session presentations, poster presentations, symposia, and workshops.
 
Date: 30 October – 2 November 2016
Venue: Four Point Sheraton, Darling Harbour, Sydney
Cost: Early bird $765, day rate $425
 
For more information: Visit the website, email apsadconference@ashm.org.au,, or call (02) 8204 0770

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Resources and Publications

Updated Comorbidity Guidelines 2016
Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use

The NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) has updated and revised the Guidelines on the management of co-occurring alcohol and other drug and mental health conditions in alcohol and other drug treatment settings (the Comorbidity Guidelines).
 
The Comorbidity Guidelines aim to:

• Increase the knowledge and awareness of co-occurring mental health conditions in AOD treatment settings
• Improve the confidence and skills of AOD workers
• Increase the uptake of evidence-based care. 

Hard copies can be collected at the ATODA office, contact info@atoda.org.au or call (02) 6255 4070.
 
For more information: Visit the Australian Government website, or call (02) 6289 1555
 
 
2015 National and Jurisdictional IDRS and EDRS Reports
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)

The Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) is intended to serve as a monitoring system, identifying emerging trends of local and national concern in illicit drug markets.
 
Using a similar methodology to the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS), the EDRS monitors the price, purity and availability of ‘ecstasy’ (3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine; MDMA) and other drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), d-lysergic acid (LSD), 3,4-methylendioxyamphetamine (MDA) and ketamine. It also examines trends in the use and harms of these drugs. 
 
For more information: See the IDRS Report and the EDRS Report
 
 
Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services in Australia 2014-15 (Web)
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

According to the report in 2014-15, around 850 alcohol and other drug treatment services provided just over 170,000 treatment episodes to around 115,000 clients.
 
The top 4 drugs that led clients to seek treatment were alcohol (38% of treatment episodes), cannabis (24%), amphetamines (20%) and heroin (6%). The proportion of episodes where clients were receiving treatment for amphetamines (20%) has continued to increase over the last 10 years, from 11% of treatment episodes in 2005-06, and 17% in 2014-15. Clients in AOD treatment services are ageing, with a median age of 33 years in 2014-15, up from 31 in 2005-06.
 
For more information: See the web report
 
 
National Opioid Pharmacotherapy Statistic Annual Data (NOPSAD) Collection 2015-16
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

On a snapshot day in 2015, over 48,000 clients received pharmacotherapy treatment for their opioid dependence at 2,589 dosing points around Australia.
As in previous year, methadone was the most common pharmacotherapy drug, with around two-thirds (66%) of clients treated with this drug. There were 2,556 prescribers of opioid pharmacotherapy drugs, an increase of 9% from 2014.

For more information: See the Web Release 
 
 
2016 Annual Alcohol Poll: Attitudes and behaviours
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE)

The Poll is now in its seventh year of publication and explores Australia’s attitudes towards alcohol, drinking behaviours, awareness and experience of alcohol harms, and opinions on alcohol policies.
 
Key findings this year include:

• The majority of Australians believe that Australia has a problem with alcohol (78%).
• 73% believe that the problems will remain the same or get worse over the next five to ten years
• 78% believe that more needs to be done to reduce alcohol harms.
• A large number of Australians are unaware of the risks associated with alcohol consumption, with only 12% of Australians stating that they are familiar with the content of the Alcohol Guidelines.
• There has been significant increase in support for placing a ban on alcohol advertising on television before 8.30pm (70%, up from 63% in 2015).
• There has also been significant increase in support for not allowing alcohol sponsorship at sporting events (60%, up from 51% in 2015).
• For the first time this year the majority of Australians (51%) support increasing the tax on alcohol to pay for health, education and treatment of alcohol-related problems.

For more information: Visit the FARE website, email amy.ferguson@fare.org.au or call (02) 6122 8600
 
 
Review of Illicit Drug Use Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Australian Indigenous Alcohol and Other Drugs Knowledge Centre

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the use of illicit drugs among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. It provides general information on the context of illicit drug use in Australia and the factors of particular relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including the historical context, social context, and other social factors.
 
For more information: See the Review, email aodknowledgecentre@healthinfonet.org.au or call (08) 9370 6336
 
 
Youth Justice in Australia 2014-15
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

According to the report there were about 5,600 young people (aged 10 and older) under youth justice supervision in Australia on an average day in 2014-15, due to their involvement, or alleged involvement, in crime.
 
This number has decreased by 23% over the 5 years to 2014-15. Around 4 in 5 (82%) young people under supervision on an average day were male. Most (85%) young people were supervised in the community and the remainder were in detention. Although rates of supervision decreased over the 5 year period for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people, the level of Indigenous over-representation increased.
 
For more information: See the report, or visit the AIHW website
 
 
Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Status 2015
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

The report shows that that the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continues to improve slowly and that there have been declines in infant mortality rates and increase in life expectancy.
 
For more information: See the report, or visit the healthinfonet website

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Newsletters, Magazines and Updates

Harm Reduction Australia Newsletter
Harm Reduction Australia 
This newsletter provides current information on their work, their projects and national and international drug policies, programs and practices that help to reduce the harms associated with the use of drugs.  
For more information: See the latest issue
 
Advocate 
Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (NADA)
The Advocate newsletter promotes new services and projects; innovative partnerships; awards and achievements; research activity; or upcoming events. 
For more information: See the latest issue
 
FFDLR Newsletter
Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform (FFDLR)
This newsletter provides information about events and developments happening in the drug and alcohol sector and in relation to FFDLR.
For more information: See the latest issue
 
Flipside
Association of Participating Service Users
Flipside is a quarterly published newsletter. It contains articles, stories, and poetry written by people who use or have used alcohol and other drug treatment services.
For more information: See the latest issue
 
The Loop
National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
The Loop contains information about Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders such as National and New Zealand news, resources, latest research and up coming events.
For more information: See the latest issue
 
Connections
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), National Drug Research Institute (NDRI), National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA)
A joint publication of the collaborative network of alcohol and other drug research centres.
For more information:  See the latest issue
 
Winnunga News
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service
The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to provide information on the happening at Winnunga, current topics and upcoming events.
For more information: See the latest issue
 
ACT Population Health Bulletin
ACT Government
The Population Health eBulletin is published quarterly and each issue has a theme and highlight a particular body of work, a key function or an emerging topic of interest relating to population health in the ACT.
For more information: See the latest issue
 

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Youth, Mental Health and Allied Sector

Our Kids Get the Picture
Families ACT & TJillari Justice Aboriginal Corporation

This workshop is for men involved in the care of children who have experienced domestic or family violence (this could include fathers, grandfathers, uncles, non-violent partners of parents or foster carers).
 
Date: 29 July 2015
Time: 10am -12pm
Venue: Burranda Room, 46 Clianthus St, O’Connor
 
For more information: See the flyer, email tjillatijustice@gmail.com or call 0402 062 191
 
 
Rainbow Calendar of Activities
Mental Health Foundation ACT

This calendar includes psychosocial and educational activities hosted at the Rainbow on the third and fourth week of July 2016.
For more information: See the calendar, email info@mhf.org.au or call 1800 985 944

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Employment
 
Casual Alcohol Other Drugs (AOD) Support Workers – NSP & Arcadia House
Directions

Casual AOD Support Workers provide support across Directions' programs on an as required basis. To be considered for the position the following attributes are require:

• Qualification or studying towards a qualification in AOD and/or experience in the AOD sector
• Experience in an NSP is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with people with comorbid, alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, and a commitment to working with this client group in a non-judgmental manner, showing courtesy and respect at all times
• Reliable, punctual and mature attitude with the ability to work effectively in a small flexible team environment
• An understanding of the principles of harm minimisation and of the importance of personal and professional boundaries, ethical behaviour, policies and procedures
• A current Senior First Aid Certificate and Working With Vulnerable People registration. 

For more information: Visit the Direction website, or email hr@directionsact.com

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ACT Media
This section includes ATOD related media from or relevant to the ACT

Men who smoke and drink exercise most
Canberra Times, 20 July 2016
There's not much in life that interrupts the robust exercise habits of the Australian male, which is a stark contrast to his less active female counterpart, a national study shows.
For more information: See the article
 
One-punch victim Thomas Kelly’s father says restricting alcohol key to reducing violence
Canberra Times, 20 July 2016
If the ACT wants to reduce late-night violence it should consider following measures introduced in Newcastle and parts of Sydney to reduce the availability of alcohol, says the father of Kings Cross one-punch victim Thomas Kelly.
For more information: See the article
 
‘If you don’t have a beer you’re not a man’ – rural workplaces made more dangerous by drugs and alcohol
The Conversation, 18 July 2016
Julaine Allan, Senior Research Fellow, Charles Sturt University
Farming involves long irregular hours, isolation, high stress and job insecurity. The work is directed by seasons, markets and weather. All of these things can encourage drug and alcohol use.
For more information: See the article
 
Man accused of spiking woman’s drink faces fresh attempted rape charge
Canberra Times, 19 July 2016
A NSW man accused of spiking a woman's drink at a Canberra bar faces a fresh charge of attempted sexual assault.
For more information: See the article
 
The Street University launches in Canberra
Canberra Times, 19 July 2016
Offering free workshops and training, The Street University is all about connecting with young people who would not normally engage with mainstream education.
For more information: See the article
 
Smoking may soon be banned at Canberra’s playgrounds
Canberra Times, 18 July 2016
The grieving family of indigenous inmate Steven Freeman say they are facing a "virtual blackout" of information about his death, with mother Narelle King still in the dark even about the autopsy.
For more information: See the article
 
Canberra jail may get supervised injecting room under prison syringe scheme
Canberra Times, 15 July 2016
Canberra's adult jail may get a medically supervised injecting room, after it was chosen as the preferred model for a prison needle and syringe program (PNSP).
For more information: See the article
 
Prisons need better drug treatment programs to control infectious diseases
The Conversation, 15 July 2016
Kate Dolan, Professor of Global Prisoner Health, UNSW Australia
Canberra's adult jail may get a medically supervised injecting room, after it was chosen as the preferred model for a prison needle and syringe program (PNSP).
For more information: See the article
 
Smoking may soon be banned at Canberra’s playgrounds
Canberra Times, 14 July 2016
Smoking bans could be extended to children's playgrounds and play spaces in the ACT under a proposal out for community feedback.
For more information: See the article
 
Trying to cut your drinking? There’s an app for that
The Conversation, 14 July 2016
Omar Mubin, Lecturer in human-centred computing & human-computer interaction, Western Sydney University
When it comes to overcoming bad behavioural habits, such as drinking too much, technology can help by providing a subtle and more personalised solution to the problem.
For more information: See the article
 
Weekly Dose: Valium, the ‘safer choice’ that led to dependence and addiction
The Conversation, 13 July 2016
Molra Sim, Professor and Dean of School, Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University
Despite the clear evidence and widespread acceptance that benzodiazepines cause harm, they have a legitimate place in therapeutics, such as in acute emergencies.
For more information: See the article
 
NSW police officer pulled gun on Canberra motorist charged with drink driving
Canberra Times, 10 July 2016
Dramatic footage has emerged of a NSW Police senior constable who drew his gun on a Canberra driver he pulled over for a random breath test.
For more information: See the article
 
Painkiller fraud accused denied bail
Canberra Times, 9 July 2016
A 22-year-old charged with using a stolen prescription script to ask for a strong painkiller often used by those with cancer has been denied bail after fears he was not working alone. 
For more information: See the article
 
Man who tried to use stolen prescription is refused bail in ACT court
ABC News, 9 July 2016
A Sydney man has been refused bail in a Canberra court after he attempted to use one of 100 stolen prescriptions to obtain powerful painkillers.
For more information: See the article
 
Surgeons call for 3am last drinks in Canberra
CityNews, 8 July 2016
Surgeons and emergency department doctors have put their support behind the ACT Government’s proposal to stop serving alcohol after 3am in the nation’s capital.
For more information: See the article
 
The drugs made me do it: can prescription side-effects be an excuse for crime?
The Conversation, 8 July 2016
Arlie Loughnan, Associate Professor in Law, University of Sydney
This week, a man who murdered his wife while she slept and blamed his actions in part on the effects of a sleeping pill he was taking, was given an extra two years jail time – taking his sentence to 21 years.
For more information: See the article
 
How alcohol is driving Canberra’s emergency departments to despair
Canberra Times, 7 July 2016
The alcohol epidemic has become a "giant disaster for our society" and alcohol-related harm is now the number one public health issue in Canberra's emergency departments, a leading specialist says.
For more information: See the article
 
Why drug-detection dogs are sniffing up the wrong tree
The Conversation, 6 July 2016
Peta Malins, Lecturer in Justice and Legal Studies, RMIT University
For young people who attend music festivals, the sight of drug-detection dogs patrolling entrances is a familiar one. But how effective are they in minimising harm, given music festivals in Australia were recently marred by two more deaths by overdose and multiple hospitalisations?
For more information: See the article
 
Drug users reject Terumo syringes at needle exchanges
Canberra Times, 6 July 2016
Drug users are rejecting a new batch of syringes in Australia's needle exchange programs, saying they're too blunt and too flexible and that the tips are snapping off in people's arms.
For more information: See the article
 
Weekly Dose: ice and speed, the drugs that kept soldiers awake and a president young
The Conversation, 6 July 2016
Julaine Allan, Senior Research Fellow, Charles Sturt University
Ice has been around for years, but a powdered form of methamphetamine called speed was more commonly used in Australia up until about 2010, when ice became more available.
For more information: See the article
 
Health Check: what are the risks of drinking before you know you’re pregnant?
The Conversation, 4 July 2016
Diana Lucia, PhD candidate, Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland
Karen Moritz, Associate Professor, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland
Researchers are now beginning to draw attention to the impact of alcohol around the time of conception and the health of the foetus later in life. 
For more information: See the article
 
Four kilos of drug ice seized from car caught speeding on Hume highway near Goulburn
Canberra Times, 4 July 2016
Police have seized more than $700,000 worth of drugs and cash from a car that was caught speeding on the Hume Highway near Goulburn on Monday morning.
For more information: See the article
 
Drug experts plan Australia’s first ice smoking room despite Government oppostion
ABC News, 30 June 2016
Drug law reformers Matt Noffs and Dr Alex Wodak are pushing ahead with Australia's first supervised ice smoking room, in a move which directly contradicts the NSW Government's stance on such a centre.
For more information: See the article
 
Medical cannabis to be trialled in treatment of melanoma at the University of Canberra
Canberra Times, 30 June 2016
Scientists in Canberra will develop a new treatment for skin cancer using medicinal-grade cannabis, with clinical trials to begin in the ACT next year.
For more information: See the article
 
ACT police to tackle domestic, alcohol-fuelled violence as budget measures bite
Canberra Times, 29 June 2016
Canberra cops will continue to clamp down on family and drunken violence without a boost to the frontline as the federal police union warned ongoing budget pressures were having a "biting" effect on the force.
For more information: See the article
 
Man accused of trafficking 28 kilograms of ice had ‘close associations’ with drug dealers
Canberra Times, 28 June 2016
A man accused of trafficking more than 28 kilograms of ice has "very close associations with self-confessed drug dealers", his defence barrister admits, but it doesn't mean he is guilty over the drug haul seized by ACT police.
For more information: See the article
 
Bad behaviour in bars and pubs is a problem, but most of Australia’s alcohol is drunk at home
The Conversation, 28 June 2016
Sarah Callinan, Research Fellow at the Centre for Alcohol Policy, La Trobe
Michael Livingstion, Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe
Violence, including one-punch deaths, has drawn attention to alcohol-related harm in and around licensed premises. Policies such as trading hour restrictions and lockout laws in Sydney and Queensland specifically aim to reduce harms in these settings.
For more information: See the article
 
How the desire for masculinity might drive some disadvantaged young men to substance abuse
The Conversation, 28 June 2016
Kathryn Daley, Lecturer, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University
While poverty or childhood trauma certainly don’t cause substance abuse, they do play a part. But awareness of other social and environmental factors, such as society’s perpetuation of masculinity, are critical to understanding the interconnections between trauma, disadvantage and substance abuse in young men.
For more information: See the article
 
Woman on bail for drive-by shooting tried to smuggle drugs into jail
Canberra Times, 27 June 2016
A woman on bail for her part in a drive-by shooting at a south Canberra house last year is suspected of smuggling drugs into jail while visiting an inmate involved with the shooting, a court has heard.
For more information: See the article
 
Police hunt suspect over ACT one-punch attack
ABC News, 24 June 2016
Police are hoping to identify three men seen in CCTV footage outside an ACT convenience store after a man was the victim of a one-punch attack
For more information: See the article
 
Plan to address STIs, boost sexual health services in Canberra: ACT government
Canberra Times, 23 June 2016
The ACT will boost access to sexual health services and focus on new programs and clinical trials aimed at stopping and reducing the spread of HIV, hepatitis B and C and sexually transmissible infections.
For more information: See the article
 
Weekly Dose: codeine doesn’t work for some people, and works too well for others
The Conversation, 22 June 2016
Olaf Drummer, Professor, Forensic Medicine, Monash University
About 8% of the population is unable to metabolise codeine to its active metabolite, morphine, leading to a poor response to codeine. This is not in itself dangerous (these people just have to change analgesics), but there are also a small number of people (about 5%) who metabolise codeine to morphine at a much larger extent.
For more information: See the article
 
Man accused of drug trafficking goes on trial over 28-kilogram ice stash in car
Canberra Times, 20 June 2016
The case against a man charged with drug trafficking over a 28-kilogram ice stash police found in a car would hinge on whether there had been an agreement between the accused and his co-offender to traffic the drugs, a court heard. 
For more information: See the article
 
ACCC launches federal court action against e-cigarette companies over allegedly misleading ‘non-toxic’ claims
Canberra Times, 20 June 2016
Two major electronic cigarette retailers have been accused of false advertising and misleading conduct by claiming their products don't contain potentially harmful toxic chemicals. 
For more information: See the article
 
Why we should support restrictions on vaping
Canberra Times, 20 June 2016
It's difficult to argue that children should be able to purchase a device that mimics smoking (and comes in a variety of lolly flavours) at their local convenience store.
For more information: See the article
 
Parents’ ‘risky’ drinking encourages teens
Canberra Times, 19 June 2016
"Risky" drinking among Australian parents has a strong influence on their teen's decision to try alcohol, according to new research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies. 
For more information: See the article
 
ACT response to Steven Freeman’s death is too little, too late
Canberra Times, 19 June 2016
It was 13 months ago that Steven Freeman, a young Aboriginal man on remand in the Alexander Maconochie Centre, was bashed so severely that he almost died. Three weeks ago, he died in that prison.
For more information: See the article
 
Federal election 2016: The drugs aren’t working for our economy as reform lags
Canberra Times, 17 June 2016
Australians have to fork out less than $10 to buy a pack of 30 painkiller tablets that are banned over-the-counter in most developed nations because they partially convert into morphine after taken.
For more information: See the article
 
Canberrans want 3am last drinks: alcohol poll
Canberra Times, 16 June 2016
Most Canberrans want 3am last drinks for bars, clubs and pubs, and many feel more threatened in the city by drunks than people high on drugs.
For more information: See the article
 
Ice addiction: More Australians seeking treatment for amphetamine use
ABC News, 15 June 2016
The proportion of Australians treated for drug and alcohol abuse that list methamphetamine addiction as their primary problem has more than doubled over the past nine years.
For more information: See the article
 
Weekly Dose: methadone, the most effective treatment for heroin dependence
The Conversation, 15 June 2016
Alex Wodak, Emeritus Consultant, St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst
The proportion of Australians treated for drug and alcohol abuse that list methamphetamine addiction as their primary problem has more than doubled over the past nine years.
For more information: See the article
 
Bottle stores hit our at 25 per dent increase in license fee as a blatant cash brag by ACT government
Canberra Times, 14 June 2016
The liquor industry has slammed the ACT government's proposed increases in licence fees for bottle stores as a blatant cash grab that will have no impact on harmful drinking.
For more information: See the article
 
Stanley Hou: Hume MDMA drug lab cook sentenced to jail
ABC News, 14 June 2016
A Canberra man caught red-handed manufacturing ecstasy in a drug lab he set up in an industrial area has been sentenced to four years jail.
For more information: See the article
 
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