About the draft Strategy
 
A draft strategy that outlines how the ACT Government aims to prevent and reduce the harms caused by alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use and to build a safe and healthy Canberra community has been released for consultation by Minister for Health Simon Corbell.
 
The draft ACT Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Strategy 2016-20 is available for community consultation until Monday 18 December 2015.
 
“Alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs account for 14.7 per cent of the total burden of disease and injury across Australia,” Mr Corbell said.
 
“This whole of government strategy sets out 31 actions to deal with alcohol, tobacco and other drug availability, production and supply, and the associated harm they have on individuals and communities.
 
“There is currently a great deal of concern about the use and effects of drugs, including crystal methamphetamines. The ACT is facing unprecedented challenges when it comes to ice use and more people than ever before are seeking treatment.
 
The draft strategy sets out a range of actions to prevent or delay the uptake of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs among young people.
 
“We recognise that alcohol is involved in a significant proportion of reported domestic violence and child protection incidents and that alcohol does increase the likelihood of violence occurring and the severity of harms,” Mr Corbell said.
 
“To tackle these complex issues, we need action from health, education and law enforcement agencies, which I believe this strategy sets out.
 
“I welcome feedback on these actions, and how we can improve the health across our community now and into the future,” Mr Corbell said.
 

Submissions can be made via the Time to Talk website at: www.timetotalk.act.gov.au.

To download the Media Release, click here.

Reminder: ATODA member and stakeholder meeting
 
ATODA will be convening members and stakeholders to discuss the draft Strategy. This meeting will involve systematically going through the draft Strategy document to identify suggestions for improvement. The meeting details are:
 
Date:               Friday 27 November 2015
Time:              9:30am – 12:30pm
Venue:            350 Antill St Watson (ATODA office)
RSVP:             Essential to info@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070
Food:              Morning tea will be provided
 

Strategic Brainstorming Survey
 
Building on ATODA’s October Strategic Brainstorming workshops, members and stakeholders are invited to contribute their ideas on where they want the sector to be in the next five years. Participate via this survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/strategicbrainstormingideas
 

Further support or information
 
Please don’t hesitate to contact an ATODA staff member if you would like to discuss any matter or if we can support your participation on info@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070.