ADCA’s activities as a funded and staffed organisation ceased on 28 February 2014.
The ADCA Board has remained in place and has been actively involved in various activities including winding down the organisation, and supporting consultations with the sector for the establishment of a new national peak.
See below for information about recent activities of the ADCA Board and some historical ADCA information.
Minutes from the ADCA Board Meeting held on 26 October 2015
For more information: See the Minutes
Letter to Members
Alison Ritter, 19 June 2015
A letter with updates on the work of the ADCA Board.
For more information: See the Letter
Letter to Members
Alison Ritter, 25 November 2014
A letter with updates on the work of the ADCA Board.
For more information: See the Letter
Letter to Members
Alison Ritter, 14 October 2014
A letter with updates on the work of the ADCA Board.
For more information: See the Letter
Communique from the ADCA Board to its members and friends
ADCA Board of Directors, 17 June 2014
A communique from the ADCA Board about ongoing and up coming developments.
For more information: See the communique
Message from the ADCA Board of Directors
ADCA Board of Directors, 17 March 2014
A message from the ADCA board about ongoing and up coming developments.
For more information: See the message
ADCA Last Message on 28 February 2014
David Templeman, Chief Executive Officer, Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA)
‘This a final message from ADCA staff on 28 Feb 2014. The decision to defund ADCA from 25 Nov 2013 occurred despite the fact that the previous Government had in April 2013 given approval for ADCA’s continued funding to 2015/16 including an increase of an additional 300k per annum.
Sadly, this decision (without any meaningful explanation) represents an unwinding of social capital and networks of front-line, professional and academic agencies built up through the period of many governments.’
For more information: Read the full communication
ADCA Office No Longer Staffed from 1 March 2014 – Impact on ADCA Services
David Templeman, Chief Executive Officer, Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA)
‘Despite best endeavours by ADCA staff, our Board and many members and concerned parties to find ways for the organisation to continue, it will close its doors on 28 February. ADCA will no longer be able to participate in any committee or advisory roles. All ADCA staff will cease to be employees after 28 February, although some remain individual members of the organisation.’
For more information: Read the full communication
Update and Drugtalk handover to ATODA
Alison Ritter, Vice President, Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA)
‘The ADCA Board is committed to continuing a national peak and has been working to establish a way to continue these services in the absence of resources. I am delighted to advise that this has been successful, and that the ACT peak body ATODA has agreed to run Update and DrugTalk on behalf of ADCA as an interim measure. Without resources, the service may be scaled back somewhat – there will no longer be Todays News summaries, and moderator functions may be reduced’
For more information: Read the full communication
Thank you to David Templeman and the ADCA staff
Alison Ritter, Vice President, Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA)
‘ADCA has provided a voice for those who work to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs over the last 47 years. The success of ADCA, its contribution to shaping national policy and its leadership in public health is largely as a result of its dedicated staff, and the support of its members.’
For more information: Read the full communication
Minister Fiona Nash, the Commonwealth Government’s Assistant Minister for Health has decided not to continue ADCA’s funding. This includes core funding, along with all project funding, effective immediately.
Minister Nash’s decision ignores previous undertakings and commitment provided to ADCA in April 2013 about ongoing funding for ADCA to 2015.
ADCA was informed of this late yesterday, and was advised it was part of the government’s budget deficit reduction strategy
As a consequence, the ADCA Board decided on November 27, 2013 to place ADCA into voluntary administration and to appoint an administrator.
The ADCA Board will continue to work with the administrator, emphasising the critical support which ADCA provides to the AOD sector and national community public health.
ADCA will endeavour to maintain minimal support services as we work through this process.
The administrator will report to the creditors and other stakeholders in the near future on ADCA’s viability and next steps.
ADCA will keep the membership informed throughout this process.
The Administrator recognises the significant role played by ADCA in the sector and invites from members any well considered proposal which would see ADCA continue as a high profile peak body with a significant domestic and international reach.
ADCA contact persons for this matter are Jane Shelling, Meredythe Crane or David Templeman at ADCA, phone 02 62159800.
The Administrator, Mr Kazar of Kazar Slaven Chartered Accountants may be contacted on (02) 6215 8402.
Henry Kazar
Administrator
hkazar@kazarslaven.com.au
For more information: Visit the ADCA website, contact Jane Shelling or David Templemen at ADCA on (02) 6215 9800, or Mr Kazar, the Administrator, on (02) 6215 8402
There are a number of things that you can do to support ADCA:
1. Sign the Petition
A petition has been launched requesting that the Australian Government reconsider its decision to stop funding ADCA. To show your support sign up at http://chn.ge/1k00opp.
2. Contact your local Federal Member of Parliament
In the ACT these contacts are:
Senator the Hon Kate Lundy
Senator for the Australian Capital Territory
Post:
Unit A, Ground Floor, Law Society Building, 11 London Circuit
Canberra, ACT, 2601
Phone:(02) 6230 0411
Fax: (02) 6230 0413
Email: senator.lundy@aph.gov.au
Websites:
Personal website (1), personal (2)
Party website
Parliament of Australia website
Senator Zed Seselja
Senator for the Australian Capital Territory
Post:
Shop B12, Canberra Centre, Bunda Street
Canberra, ACT, 2600
Phone: (02) 6247 6444
Fax: (02) 6257 4140
Email: senator.seselja@aph.gov.au
Websites:
Personal website
Party website
Parliament of Australia website
Ms Gai Brodtmann MP
Member for Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Post:
205 Anketell St
Tuggeranong, ACT, 2900
Telephone: (02) 6293 1344
Fax: (02) 6293 1068
Email: gai.brodtmann.mp@aph.gov.au
Websites:
Personal website
Party website
Parliament of Australia website
The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP
Member for Fraser, Australian Capital Territory
Post:
Unit 8/1 Torrens St
Braddon, ACT, 2612
Telephone: (02) 6247 4396 or 6247 4037
Fax: (02) 6247 3457
Email: andrew.leigh.mp@aph.gov.au
Websites:
Personal website
Party website
Parliament of Australia website
3. Contact the Ministers with Health portfolios:
Senator Fiona Nash
www.fionanash.com.au/ContactSenatorNash.aspx
Ring her Electoral office: (02) 6382 3400, Freecall: 1300 734 681
Ring her Parliament House office: (02) 6277 7440
Send a fax: (02) 6382 3499
Email: senator.nash@aph.gov.au
Post: 79 Main Street Young, NSW, 2594
The Hon Peter Dutton MP
www.peterdutton.com.au/Contact.aspx
Ring or fax his electoral office: P: (07) 3205 9977, F: (07) 3205 5111
Ring or fax his Parliamentary Office: P: (02) 6277 7220, F: (02) 6273 4146
Email: peter.dutton.mp@aph.gov.au
Post: PO Box 2012, Strathpine QLD 4500
4. Contact the media
5. Share this information within your networks.
Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA)
26 November 2013
Funding for the Alcohol and other Drugs Council (ADCA), the national peak body representing organisations and workers in the sector, has been axed by the assistant Minister for Health, Senator Fiona Nash.
ADCA was notified yesterday of the decision to cut core funding for its day to day operations and individual projects; this prompted an emergency meeting of the ADCA Board last night where directors unanimously agreed to put the organisation into voluntary administration.
ADCA has been funded continuously as the national peak for nearly half a century. As the latest casualty in the new coalition government’s austerity drive, the impact of this decision will be felt across the community according to the organisation’s patron, Professor Ian Webster AO. “In 46 years, this is the only government that has decided it can do without ADCA’s advice,” Professor Webster said.
Read the full statement here.
Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (WANADA)
26 November 2013
The Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (WANADA) is deeply concerned at Federal Assistant Minister for Health Senator Fiona Nash’s decision to axe funding to the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA).
“The decision to axe ADCA’s funding is short-sighted and will cost Australia in the long-run,” said WANADA CEO and ADCA Board Member Jill Rundle. “This is devastating news. ADCA’s work benefits alcohol and other drug services throughout the nation and therefore benefits individuals, families and communities”
Read the full statement here.
Stonetree Harm Reduction
26 November 2013
‘I read with shock and horror yesterday the announcement of the defunding and subsequent placement of the Alcohol and Drug Council of Australia (ADCA) into voluntary administration. This irresponsible action has been undertaken in the name of austerity however when we consider the longer term implications of such a decision it can only be considered economically counter-productive. Consider for a moment that evidence based measures (i.e those that work) supporting demand reduction and harm reduction save millions of dollars in tax payer money by reducing overall costs to health, business and communities. Recent experiences overseas demonstrate that scrapping evidence based approaches and the structures that support them is perilous.’
Read the full statement here.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA)
27 November 2013
Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT has serious concerns regarding the decision to defund the Alcohol and other Drug Council of Australia (ADCA). ADCA has been an Australian community leader for half a century, and has helped our nation to be healthier, safer and make meaningful decisions that have saved lives and money. ADCA has provided non-partisan advice and support to all Australian governments since 1966, including under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Menzies and Prime Minister John Howard. The alcohol and other drug sector provides essential services in Australia and our sector needs leadership from ADCA.
Read the letter here.
Ian Webster – Patron, Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia
27 November 2013
‘Australia has been served with dedication and selflessness by the Alcohol and other Drug Council of Australia (ADCA) from when it began 50 years ago.
You will be saddened and disappointed, as I was, to learn that after such a long period of leadership and working collaboratively – but honestly – with every government during this period, the current government has drawn a line in the sand. ADCA will no longer receive funding from the Government.’
Read the full statement here.
Alex Wodak – President, Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation
27 November 2013
‘It is hard to find a family in Australia that does not have at least one member with a significant alcohol and drug problem. Alcohol and drug problems result in substantial costs to the community including deaths, disability, crime and financial costs.
Like most other countries, Australia struggles to prevent and provide adequate treatment for alcohol and drug problems. Non government organisations make an important contribution to the community’s response.’
Read the full statement here.
South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services (SANDAS)
27 November 2013
The South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services are concerned over governments reducing the ability to deal with major health and social issues caused by widespread alcohol and drug misuse.
The sudden defunding of a body such as the Alcohol and other Drug Council of Australia (ADCA) creates a serious hole in the Federal Government’s capacity to set well informed policy for prevention, early intervention, and treatment especially for the individuals, families and communities in areas of high disadvantage.
Read the full statement here.
Victorian Alcohol & Drug Association (VAADA)
27 November 2013
The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) is highly concerned that an organisation which has provided sound and evidence informed advice to governments of both persuasions for 46 years could be so rapidly defunded at such a time of community need.
Read the full statement here.
Australian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD)
27 November 2013
Professional body representing alcohol and other drugs sector urges government not to abandon vital services in drastic funding cut.
The Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol & other Drugs (APSAD) has expressed strong disappointment at the Commonwealth government’s decision, announced yesterday, to discontinue funding for the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA).
Read the full statement here.
Family for Drug Law Reform (FFDLR)
27 November 2013
The Abbott Government, with no consultation or explanation has recklessly defunded the peak body, the Alcohol and Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA)
“Axing all funding for ADCA without consultation and in pursuit of a false claim of fixing the debt shows up the Federal Government as unprincipled and evidence free”, said Brian McConnell, President of Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform. “This peak body provides the best evidence based advice and guidance to all drug and alcohol service providers throughout Australia. It has also provided that advice to past governments. This Government may not like unbiased reliable advice but the service providers have found it to be invaluable for the provision of their services.”
Read the full statement here.
Monica Barratt – Post on ‘Drugs, Internet, Society’ Blog
27 November 2013
‘I was shocked to discover that the ADCA has been defunded by your government. I am a research fellow specialising in alcohol and other drug research – my work has recently been recognised by an early career research fellowship through the National Health and Medical Research Council. I have been a member of the ADCA since 2003, when I first began working in this field. I regularly use their services and participate in their events, which enable the broader public to be better informed about drug/alcohol issues. These issues touch the lives of almost everyone in our community. I am astonished that your government does not see the value in such an organisation with a 50 year history, an organisation that is highly valued by everyone in our field.’
Read the full statement here.
Australasian Therapeutic Communities Association (ATCA)
29 November 2013
The Board of Management of the Australasian Therapeutic Communities Association (ATCA), joined with hundreds of others across Australia today in voicing dismay at the Government’s decision, which was announced to the sector on Tuesday morning.
Dr Lynne Magor-Blatch, Executive Officer of the ATCA said today, “ADCA has for the past 50 years played a vital role, not only in the alcohol and other drugs sector, but across the community. In addition to its role as peak body, ADCA provides services and support both nationally and internationally.”
Read the full statement here.
Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)
29 November 2013
The most vulnerable Australian families will be put at risk as the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), with its world-renowned library and information service, closes its doors, potentially within a few weeks, denying doctors, social workers, psychologists and other professionals access to knowledge and resources that are essential to their work.
Read the full statement here.
National Alliance for Action on Alcohol (NAAA)
2 December 2013
The National Alliance for Action on Alcohol (NAAA) is urging the Federal Government to reverse its decision to defund the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA).
The NAAA has expressed its strong support for the continuation of ADCA, which is led by former Liberal MP Dr Mal Washer, especially the role it plays as a national voice of the country’s alcohol and drug treatment agencies and the important services it provides to communities throughout Australia.
Read the full statement here.
Public Health Association Australia (PHAA)
2 December 2013
ADCA is an organisation with which PHAA works closely in seeking to prevent and address the significant harms to the Australian community stemming from the misuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
For the better part of 50 years, ADCA has been supported by Governments of all persuasions to provide a voice for people working in the alcohol and other drugs sector – unsung heroes in our community – and to assist governments and non-government organisations in building and implementing effective, evidence-based programs and services designed to educate, prevent and address substance use problems in our community.
Read the full statement here.
Ms. Gai Brodtmann MP
3 December 2013 via update
The cuts being inflicted by those opposite seem to have no bounds. Contrary to pre-election promises that health and education would be spared, they are now prime targets. As of last week this government will no longer be funding the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia. ADCA has operated since 1966 as the peak body for organisations working to minimise the harm caused by drugs and alcohol, on an annual budget of just $1.6 million. (Excerpt from Hansard)
Read the full statement here.
Substance Abuse Librarians and Information Specialists (SALIS)
3 December 2013
Recent news of the defunding of the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), including the Library and Information Service, comes as a shock to members of the Substance Abuse Librarians and Information Specialists (SALIS), an international organization. How is it that there continues to be a lack of regard for all of the work and expertise that goes into building collections and information dissemination tools to assist in the prevention of harm and provide objective evidence-based knowledge to those in need?
Read the full statement here.
Parliamentary Debates: The Senate Proof Questions Without Notice – Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia
4 December 2013
Senator McLUCAS (Queensland) (14:07): My question is to the Assistant Minister for Health, Senator Nash. Did the Prime Minister write to the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia on 14 October? Did that letter say: ‘I look forward to working with you in the years ahead’? Can the minister explain why, six weeks after the Prime Minister signed that letter, the government axed the council’s funding and forced it into voluntary administration?
Read the full statement here.
Robin Room, University of Melbourne
5 December 2013
On the basis of my international experience, I would say that a strength of Australia’s response as a society to problems with alcohol and drugs has been the strong interplay and coordination between governments and those on the front line of the response, the clinicians and scientists who deal with drug and alcohol issues every day.
Read the full statement here.
National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Australia (NOFASD Australia)
6 December 2013
The work of NOFASD Australia includes the provision of information and support, education and training, community engagement, and policy and advocacy focused on achieving a better quality of life for people living with FASD through improved and coordinated service delivery and preventing FASD in Australia. This is a large
mandate and specifically, the library and information services provided by ADCA, including the daily news updates, are invaluable to this work in meeting a ‘gap’ otherwise not met in a human resource limited workplace
Read the full statement here.
Of Substance – The National Magazine on Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs
12 December 2013
Of Substance has published an issue discussing the ‘Strong reaction to ADCA funding halt’.
See the Of Substance eBulletin.
An open letter from past and incumbent Presidents of the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia
22 January 2014
A letter by Dr Mal Washer, Dr Neal Blewett AC, Prof. Ian Webster AO, Prof. Robin Room, Dr Nanette Waddy AC.
See the letter.
Public Health Association of Australia – 10 eminent Australians call on Prime Minister to save ADCA
28 February 2014
Ten highly respected Australians working in health and related sectors have today appealed for Prime Ministerial intervention to reinstate funding for the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA). ADCA is due to shut its doors today after almost fifty years due to a decision by the Assistant Minister for Health to cut its funding.
“Signatories to the letter include Professor Fran Baum; Dr Tom Calma AO, Professor Mike Daube AO, Dr Steve Hambleton, The Hon Terence John Higgins AO QC, Professor Rob Moodie, Michael Thorn, Emeritus Professor Ian Webster AO, Scott Wilson and Associate Professor Heather Yeatman. These people are highly respected figures reflecting the views of a number of key national organisations. We are hopeful that the Prime Minister will heed their advice and intervene at the 11th hour today to ensure the continuation of ADCA and the important services it provides,” said Melanie Walker, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA).
The letter points out that:
ADCA has been supported for almost fifty years by governments of all persuasions. ADCA provides a unique voice for people and organisations working in the alcohol and drug sector; it is an important resource for governments, the non-government sector and the community, including key disadvantaged groups; and it provides a vital source of expertise, information services, workforce development and training support, and a range of related programs.
The defunding of ADCA occurred without any consultation. This has caused widespread concern that this government may lack commitment to action and appropriate consultation on alcohol and drug issues. We have no doubt that withdrawal of ADCA’s funding will cause significant damage to work nationally on reducing alcohol and drug harms.
“We understand that a petition to save ADCA – with over 3,000 signatures – was also provided to the Prime Minister this week,” said Ms Walker.
The full letter to the Prime Minister – including the list of signatories and the organisations they represent – is available on the PHAA website at: www.phaa.net.au.
Government Defunds NFP Drug Council
Pro Bono Australia, 26 November 2013
Funding for the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) – the national peak body representing organisations and workers in the alcohol and other drugs sector – has been axed by the Coalition Government, making it the latest casualty in the new government’s austerity drive.
For more information: See the article
Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia in administration after Tony Abbott cuts
The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 November 2013
Brisbane Times, 27 November 2013
WA Today, 27 November 2013
Canberra Times, 27 November 2013
NewCastle Herald, 27 November 2013
The Border Mail, 27 November 2013
The Courier, 27 November 2013
The Age, 27 November 2013
One of the nation’s oldest health organisations has been placed in voluntary administration after its funding was cut by the government.
For more information: See the SMH article, the Brisbane Times article, the WA Today article, the Canberra Times article, the Newcastle Herald article, the Border Mail article, the Courier article, the Age article
Alcohol and drugs body loses funding
9 News, 26 November 2013
The Australian, 26 November 2013
Courier Mail, 26 November 2013
The Telegraph, 26 November 2013
The Advertiser, 26 November 2013
news.com.au, 26 November 2013
Sky News, 26 November 2013
Herald Sun, 26 November 2013
The federal government has withdrawn funding for the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), blaming its review f the funding of several organisations on the former Labor government.
For more information: See the 9 News article, the Australian article, the Courier Mail, the Telegraph article, the Advertiser article, the news.com.au article, the Sky News article, the Herald Sun article
Alcohol and Other Drugs Council enters administration
ABC News, Radio National (RN) Breakfast, 27 November 2013
Patron Professor Ian Webster speaks with RN Breakfast’s Political Editor Alison Carabine.
For more information: Listen to the radio interview
Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia in voluntary administration after Coalition cuts funding
ABC News, 27 November 2013
The Federal Government has withdrawn funding for the national peak body representing the alcohol and drug treatment sector, forcing the immediate closure of the 50-year-old organisation.
For more information: See the article
Govt withdraws funding for peak alcohol, drug treatment body
ABC News, The World Today, 27 November 2013
The Federal Government has withdrawn funding for the national peak body representing the alcohol and drug treatment sector, forcing the immediate closure of the 50-year-old organisation. Tanya Nolan reports.
For more information: See the article
Drug adviser funding cut
The West Australian, 27 November 2013
Former WA Liberal MP Mal Washer has attacked a Federal Government decision to scrap finding to the nation’s peak body in the alcohol and drugs sector, a move which sent the group into voluntary administration.
For more information: See the article
Drug-harm minimisation body closes after Coalition withdraws funding
The Guardian, 27 November 2013
The federal government has stripped funding from the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) as part of their cost cutting to balance the budget, leading to the harm-minimisation body going into voluntary administration.
For more information: See the article
NFP Calls for Reverse on Drug Agency Abolition
Pro Bono Australia News, 28 November 2013
The Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies has called on the Coalition Government to reverse its decision to axe the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA).
For more information: See the article
Taking the mortar from the bricks
Drink Tank, 2 December 2013
For half a century, ADCA has played a most important role in Australia as the mortar between the bricks.
The recent decision by the Federal government to terminate the funding of ADCA, effective immediately, is not just health vandalism, but also short sighted from a social and economic perspective.
For more information: See the article
Everything touched by hand of Labor ‘unclean’
The Age, 3 December 2013
The Abbott government is celebrating a rite of purification. Everything that has been touched by the hand of Labor is unclean and is being cleansed through fire. Observing this cult is paramount, even if it costs the government consistency, efficiency or its ideals.
For more information: See the article
Coalition backflip on cuts to heal portfolio
Catherine King MP, Shadow Minister for Health, Member for Ballarat, 3 December 2013
Minister Dutton’s repeated promise that no money will be cut from health is proving as hollow as the Coalition’s promise of a ‘unity ticket’ on education.
For more information: See the media release
Reducing drug and alcohol use harms across Australian communities requires national and State/Territory leadership and coordination
Network of alcohol and other drug agencies (NADA), 9 December 2013Australia’s network of State and Territory peak bodies for the non government drug and alcohol sector believe a national body responsible for providing leadership, policy expertise and sector development services is vital for quality drug and alcohol prevention, harm reduction and treatment service delivery.
For more information: See the media release
Flash mob at Parliament House raise awareness of community grants
Canberra Times, 11 December 2013
Canberra community organisations have used a visit to Parliament House to call on the Abbott government to deliver funding grants allocated to charities before the September election.
For more information: See the article
Alcohol and drug council’s financial difficulties ’caused by government‘
Chief executive of axed national peak body says it had no money problems until funding was withdraw.
For more information: See the article
Tony Abbott must reveal his social vision for our country
Canberra Times, 14 December 2013
The Abbott government’s unexpected termination of all funding to Australia’s only national drug and alcohol body late last month has left the drug and alcohol treatment and prevention sector with many lingering questions.
For more information: See the article
Drugs body’s call to action
Canberra Times, 17 December 2013
‘Yet another early summer weekend has passed, during which media reported alcohol-fuelled violence, vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Amid the tut-tutting and hand-wringing of our politicians in response, how is it that the federal government can justify its short-sighted decision to axe funding to the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia?‘
For more information: See the article
Drug and alcohol funding cut: health professionals are ‘absolutely furious’
Canberra Times, 18 December 2013
Drug and alcohol professionals have renewd angry protests at the withdrawal of funding from Australia’s drug and alcohol advisory body just as police launch major operations against alcohol-fulled violence.
For more information: See the article
Coalition cuts Labor, Greens Parliament Staff
The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 December 2013
Among the federal government’s latest cuts, as it grapples with a budget blowout of more than $17 billion, are staff for the opposition, Greens and cross-bench MPs.
For more information: See the article
Job losses real and hidden mount up as Coalition pursues funding cuts
The Age, 29 December 2013
You can tell a lot about a government’s priorities by what is kept and what is canned in a tight economic environment.
Among the federal government’s latest cuts, as it grapples with a budget blowout of more than $17 billion in 2013-14, are staff for the opposition, Greens and crossbench MPs.
For more information: See the article
Opinion: funding cuts to drug council false economy
Newcastle Herald, 6 January 2014
‘As former members of the Commonwealth Parliament, a health minister in the Hawke government and a former general practitioner serving in the Howard government and the Abbott opposition, we are deeply concerned over the short-sighted decision of the current government to axe funding to the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA).‘
For more information: See the article
Drink Drank Investigation: Why was ADCA defunded?
Drink Drank Newsletter, February 2014
Drink Tank isn’t the only one looking for answers about the sudden funding cut to the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA).
For more information: See the newsletter
Staffer Alastair Furnival had links to alcohol industry, helped strip funding form group minimising alcohol harm
Canberra Times, 17 February 2014
A lobbyist working in Assistant Health Minister Fiona Nash’s office had links to the alcohol industry and played a key role in stripping Australia’s peak drug and alcohol body of its funding.
For more information: See the article
Alcohol lobby link to dumping health body
Canberra Times, 18 February 2014
Assistant Health Minister Fiona Nash’s former chief of staff had links to the alcohol industry – and played a key role in stripping Australia’s peak drug and alcohol body of its funding.
For more information: See the article
Questions raised over funding cuts to the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council
ABC NewsRadio, 28 February 2014
Tracey Holmes speaks to Professor Rob Moodie from the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health about the imminent closure of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia.
For more information: Listen to the podcast
Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia shuts doors after Fiona Nash cuts off funding
The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 March 2014
An organisation that has been advising Australian governments on alcohol and drug policy for almost half a century shut its doors
For more information: See the article
Health professionals plead with PM to save peak drug group
ABC News, 1 March 2014
A group of drug and alcohol experts and health professionals is pleading with the Prime Minister to restore funding to the Alcohol and other Drug Council. The head of the Council says it was defunded with no adequate explanation and the Council’s supporters say its absence leaves a huge gap for drug and alcohol workers.
For more information: Listen to the podcast
Furnival affair exposes the advisers’ ‘accountability black hole’ as a myth
Canberra Times, 4 March 2014
The recent case of Alastair Furnival, the former chief of staff to Assistant Health Minister Fiona Nash, raises interesting issues about the role of ministerial staffers and the nature of conflict of interest.
For more information: See the article
Fiona Nash’s decision to axe drug and alcohol adviser has cost $1 million
The Canberra Times, 13 March 2014
The government has paid nearly a million dollars to cover its sudden axing of Australia’s peak drug and alcohol body, documents reveal.
For more information: See the article
Requirements for the Establishment of a new National Peak Body for Alcohol and Other Drugs
June 2015
For more information: See the Report
Last Updated on 24 March 2016