The Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA), the peak body for the alcohol, tobacco and other drug sector in the ACT, has welcomed investments in the ACT 2023-2024 Budget, but argues that more money is needed to treat Canberrans with drug problems.

ATODA welcomed the ACT Government’s announcement of another extension of the drug checking pilot in the ACT to December 2024;  the extension of funding to the Drug and Alcohol Sentencing List; and long-term investment in the Watson Health Precinct, growing residential rehabilitation infrastructure for young people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“There is strong evidence the drug checking service reduces harm and promotes access to health services,” Susan Helyar, ATODA’s interim CEO, said. “It should be funded as an ongoing component of essential health services in the ACT.”

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However, ATODA said, up to 4,750 more people annually require treatment than are being treated through existing alcohol, tobacco and other drug services, according to Drug and Alcohol Service Planning modelling undertaken in the ACT.

In fact, ATODA considers the 4,750 figure an underestimate: the modelling assumes treatment for only 47 per cent of those people who meet the criteria for dependence, and was undertaken before the most recent Census, which indicated an undercount of approximately 20,000 persons for the ACT.

ATODA advised in its budget submission that the government should increase the funding of specialist alcohol, tobacco, and other drug treatment and harm reduction services by $12 million. Ms Helyar said this was necessary to address gaps in services’ capacity to respond to people seeking support.

“In a budget that prioritises expansion of health services to meet the needs of a growing population and with clear evidence of unmet demand for health services, it is surprising that alcohol, tobacco and other drug treatment and harm reduction services based in the community have not seen a substantial increase in funding,” Ms Helyar said.

“These services include residential rehabilitation programs, day rehabilitation programs, community-based counselling, case management services, withdrawal services, family and carer support programs and peer support programs.

“Responding to drug and alcohol use as a health issue is well accepted in the ACT, and there have been significant legislative and policy reforms to divert people away from the criminal justice system. These reforms, in particular the upcoming implementation of the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Act 2022, will only be successful with a commensurate investment in quality, evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services.

 “We will continue to highlight unmet needs in the community and work together with the ACT Government to achieve the right investment to respond to these needs.”

ATODA also welcomed Budget investments in housing, health services, and contributing to cost-of-living relief via the expanded energy subsidies.