The ACT Government has started consultation on the next plan to reduce alcohol and other drug-related harms for individuals, families, and the broader Canberra community.
The draft ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan 2022-2026 sets out priorities for the Territory, and outlines evidence-based whole-of-sector actions for the next four years.
The final plan will replace the now-concluded 2018-2021 Drug Strategy Action Plan, and will align with the National Drug Strategy 2017-2026.
Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Health, said the plan will continue the ACT’s nation-leading approach to treating alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use as a health issue.
“We remain committed to investing in evidence-based and practice-informed harm minimisation responses to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
In the 2022-23 Budget, the ACT Government announced it would spend more than $13 million on drug and alcohol rehabilitation, family and carer support, and specialised treatments.
In the previous three years, the ACT Government invested almost $20 million in additional funding in alcohol and other drugs programs.
The draft plan was designed by the ACT Health Directorate and other government directorates, advocacy groups, treatment providers, peer organisations, and affected community members.
The design process identified several priorities that the government now seeks to confirm or refine through community consultation, Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“We want to know what improvements can be made to service delivery to ensure the right people are able to access the right supports at the right time.
“We also want to hear your ideas about how we, as a community, can reduce the stigma surrounding alcohol and other drug use, and how we can best reach vulnerable Canberrans who are disproportionately affected by the use of alcohol and other drugs.”
Canberrans can have their say to inform the plan’s scope, priorities, and activities.
Dr Devin Bowles, CEO of Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA), welcomed community consultation on the plan.
“This process will allow the ACT Government to leverage the expertise of the specialist alcohol and other drug treatment and harm reduction sector and people with lived experience of drug use,” he said.
Ms Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government wants to hear from all sectors of the community.
“Your engagement with this consultation will be treated with absolute respect and in line with privacy requirements,” she said.
“By having your say, you will help to build a strong, sustainable, and innovative plan that will reduce the harm and stigma associated with alcohol and other drug use.”
Consultation on the ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan 2022-2026 is open until 24 October. For more information and to contribute, visit the YourSay page.
