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

VAADA are pleased to provide this submission. This Bill is an opportunity for Victoria to align its drug laws with the values and realities of todays society. The Bill’s modest, evidence-based proposed changes will reduce harms associated with coercive and harsh criminalisation and enable law enforcement to better focus its resources on serious crime, marking a positive step for Victoria’s drug laws.

Over the past year, the VAADA team has remained committed to addressing a disjointed and at times, fragmented service system. We have chosen to drive our efforts to advocate for meaningful reform and enhanced service delivery around access to treatment, data gaps, workforce sustainability, funding and the integration of intersecting systems of care.

VAADA is pleased to present its 2025 State Budget Submission Fixing the Foundations, which offers a range of solutions to address enduring challenges with the AOD service system in Victoria, that meet growing demand for treatment and support, and which can respond to new and emerging threats to community wellbeing.