Australian Government announcement: NGOTGP and SMSDGF

Australian Government announcement: NGOTGP and SMSDGF

Update from ATODA:

The Australian Network of State and Territory AOD Peaks, of which ATODA is a member, has been conducting an advocacy campaign (see for example) designed to ensure ongoing access to AOD treatment for Australian families and communities by securing ongoing funding for services through the Australian Government Department of Health Non-Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program (NGOTGP) and the Substance Misuse Service Delivery Grants Fund (SMSDGF).

The below statement was made by the Australian Government today.

While the statement indicates “guaranteed funding for another two years until June 2019” details, including the extent to which all currently funded agencies are in scope, are yet to be confirmed.

ATODA understands that the Department of Health has begun issuing generic letters to individual services funded under the NGOTGP and/or SMSDGF in line with the above-mentioned statement, but that this information doesn’t include specifics with regard to the implications for individual services.

The Australian Network of State and Territory AOD Peaks has meetings planned with the Drug Strategy Branch, Department of Health and the Minister for Health’s office to seek further details and engage in discussions about arrangements going forward.

ATODA is actively seeking further clarification on specific implications for the ACT and has also been in contact with the Department of Health NSW/ACT office, the ACT’s Primary Health Network and ACT Health today.

In April, ATODA will be hosting a Grant Recipients Network meeting - all ACT agencies funded through the NGOTGP and SMSDGF; the Department of Health NSW/ACT Office; Drug Strategy Branch and the ACT’s Primary Health Network will be invited to that meeting.

In the meantime, ATODA will circulate further information as it becomes available.

Media Release: Providing certainty and funding for alcohol and drug treatment services

On 3 March 2017, the Australian Government announced that it will continue to fund drug and alcohol treatment services across Australia.

"The Turnbull Government will continue to support drug and alcohol treatment services across Australia with funding of more than $75 million a year.

Across Australia, around 150 groups that provide direct drug and alcohol treatment and support services will be given guaranteed funding for another two years until 30 June 2019.

This includes services such as drop-in centres that provide counselling and information, withdrawal management and rehabilitation clinics.

This is in addition to the National Ice Action Strategy Funding of $241.5 million for drug and alcohol treatment currently being rolled out.

The funding further strengthens the Turnbull Government’s efforts to make sure people seeking help are able to access services in their community, provided by a range of organisations and tailored to local needs.

This continued funding for direct treatment services is important to individuals and families struggling with drug and alcohol misuse, and will maintain the availability of treatment for people seeking help.

Under new funding arrangements, more than $42 million per annum (over two years) will be transferred to Primary Health Networks (PHNs) to align with drug and alcohol treatment funding provided through the National Ice Action Strategy.

The remaining funds will be distributed by the Department of Health to large organisations that provide services over multiple PHNs.

PHNs will use the additional funding to continue to fund drug and alcohol treatment services to increase the availability of treatment for people seeking help where, and when they need it.

I am confident that the transition to the new funding arrangements, which will begin on 1 July 2017, will provide more integrated, consistent and sustainable drug and alcohol treatment services into the future.

We will continue to consult with the sector on the implementation of these new arrangements.

For more information about the Government’s Drug and Alcohol Program, visit the Department of Health's website."

For more information: See the full media release