The harms from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs continue to impose heavy costs, in personal and financial terms, on individuals, families and the ACT community. The alcohol and other drug sector in the ACT (including prevention, treatment and harm reduction services; researchers; consumers; families; and policy workers) continues to play a key role in reducing the harms associated with drug use.
The specialist alcohol and other drug service system, in particular, has proven itself efficient and effective in reducing the demand for more expensive acute health and criminal justice services, improving the wellbeing of Canberrans and saving lives. But more must be done. The specialist alcohol and other drug service system is experiencing a funding and infrastructure crisis as a result of chronic and historical underfunding. This crisis has been heightened by the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the protracted period of uncertainty this has placed on AOD services as an essential component of the ACT’s health system.
This 2020 ATODA Election Priorities Statement will, if implemented by the new Legislative Assembly, go a long way towards strengthening the ACT’s responses to alcohol and other drugs, contributing to COVID-19 related recovery efforts for Canberrans experiencing disadvantage, and ultimately build a stronger, healthier Canberra, a place where people love to live.
ATODA staff has provided this document to Members of the Legislative Assembly, representatives of political parties and individual candidates. Upon request, we would be pleased to provide detailed briefing regarding any aspects of this Election Priorities Statement. To make general enquiries or to arrange a briefing, please contact us:
Dr Devin Bowles, Chief Executive Officer
Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA)
(02) 6249 6358
info@atoda.org.au
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Download the ATODA 2020 ACT Election Priorities Statement