Victoria’s peak body representing Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) services.

The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) has lodged a submission to the Fair Work Commission in response to its discussion paper on gender-based undervaluation within the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS).

VAADA’s analysis of the 2025–26 Victorian State Budget reveals a modest 1.2% increase in AOD funding—well below CPI and not enough to meet rising demand. While we welcome targeted investments in pharmacotherapy, multicultural youth programs, and outreach services in North Richmond, the lack of meaningful growth in core funding places further pressure on a system already stretched beyond capacity. The forthcoming 10-year AOD Strategy presents an opportunity to rebuild. But it must be backed by proper investment and a funded implementation plan. Read our full analysis to understand what the Budget means for the future of alcohol and other drug services in Victoria.

Over the next 30 years, Victoria’s Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector will need to contend with a complex and evolving array of public health challenges, including the prioritisation of integrated treatment for those experiencing co-occurring health and wellbeing issues that involve AOD; an ever changing drug market and risks to health arising from novel psychoactive substances; as well as increasing demand for AOD treatment (including from Victorians currently underserviced by existing services and infrastructure).