The ACT ATOD Workers Group is involved in the development, implementation, coordination, evaluation and promotion of key sector support activities for the ATOD sector in the ACT. The group identifies and seeks to respond to a range of issues relevant to frontline workers. The group continues to function as an essential component of the ACT ATOD sector governance and acts as a key advisory structure to ATODA.
The group implemented a workplan of diverse activities over the last 12 months with secretariat support provided by ATODA. Some priorities included:
- Informing ATODA’s capacity building and policy activities;
- Coordinating the implementation of the ACT ATOD Workforce Profile;
- Driving the identification of priorities related to increasing methamphetamine related harms in the ACT;
- Appointing and supporting a group member to participate on the ATODA Board.
Summary of Workers Group activities – April 2019
The ACT ATOD Workers Group met on 4 April 2019, and is 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.
April 2019: Summary of Workers Group activities
Activities / discussions included:
- Reporting on Karralika’s program availability and updates on recruitment, new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worker positions, student placement activities and progress with the Consumer Advisory Body
- Reporting on Ted Noffs Foundation new Drug and Information Support Group, program availability and new centralized phone system
- Reporting Hepatitis ACT various education and information sessions, and the success of the combined promotional campaign
- Update on CatholicCare’s program availability, the Sobering Up Shelter operation hours on ANZAC Day and relocation to new premises
- Reporting on Toora Women Inc. staff’s participation in therapeutic community training, program availability and referral pathways
- Reporting on the Salvation Army restructure, recruitment and program availability
- Update on ATODA’s Strategic Plan consultation
- Update on the ACT ATOD Workforce Profile and Report
- Reporting on upcoming training opportunities including the AOD Skill Set, AOD Information & Harm Reduction training for the allied sector and Smoking Cessation training
- Update on the ACT ATOD Services Directory Update and Service User Satisfaction and Outcomes Survey (SUSOS)
- Reported on the Canberra Drug Policy Series event held on 10 April: 10 Years of Global Drug Policy – Highlights From The UN Commission On Narcotic Drugs (https://www.facebook.com/TCDPS/)
- Discussing the Notice of AOD Treatment to employment service providers and Centrelink
- Update on the AOD Peaks National Projects
- Reporting on the Drugs of Dependence Bill Amendment 2018
Summary of Workers Group activities – May 2019
The ACT ATOD Workers Group met on 2 May 2019, and is 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 included:
- Reporting on CAHMA program activities, peer harm reduction program restarting and participated in Naloxone training
- Reporting on Toora program activities, Day Program starting and participated in Naloxone training
- Reporting on ADS program activities, availabilities and changes reported on impact of primary care changes in Civic on OMT, and business planning and discussions with Magistrates about diversion programs
- Update on CatholicCare’s program availability, including Sobering Up Shelter, Counselling and Support Connections (case management)
- Reporting on CRS’s organisation restructuring, Men’s behaviour change program started and counselling is continuing
- Reporting on Karralika’s program availability and updates on Consumer Advisory Group’s first meeting
- Update on the ACT ATOD Workforce Profile and Report
- Reporting on upcoming training opportunities including the ACT ATOD Workforce Profile, AOD Skill Set, and Smoking Cessation training
- Update on the ACT ATOD Services Directory Light Touch Update
- Update on the Service User Satisfaction and Outcomes Survey (SUSOS)
- Update on the AOD Peaks National Projects
- Reporting on Pill Testing/Drug Checking
- Update on changes in ATODA team
- Thursday 7 February 2019
- Thursday 7 March 2019
- Thursday 4 April 2019
- Thursday 2 May 2019
- Thursday 6 June 2019
- Thursday 4 July 2019
- Thursday 1 August 2019
- Thursday 5 September 2019
- Thursday 3 October 2019
- Thursday 7 November 2019
- Thursday 5 December 2019
Please note that these meetings will be held from 12pm – 2pm.
The objectives of the Workers Group are to:
- Participate in the development, implementation, coordination, evaluation and promotion of key sector support activities including those identified in the ACT ATOD Strategy 2010 – 2014 (e.g. ACT Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Services Directory);
- Regularly identify and communicate a range of issues, including those experienced by clients, workers, and services and identify appropriate actions to address these;
- Actively inform and contribute to the work of ATODA, including representation on the ATODA Board of Management (e.g. policy submissions);
- Develop, monitor, implement regular workplans; and,
- Participate in evaluative and other reporting activities as identified.
The ACT ATOD Workers Group Terms of Reference outlines further details regarding the purpose, roles and membership of the group.
The ACT ATOD Workers Group Workplan outlines key activities of the Group.
Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT
(02) 6249 6358
info@atoda.org.au