Publications

AADA’s analysis of the 2026/27 Victorian State Budget acknowledges the Government’s record $415.5 million investment in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector, including continued support for key harm reduction initiatives. While these commitments are welcome, VAADA notes the overall funding increase is modest and does not address growing demand for treatment and support....

The 2026 Victorian Budget has seen an increase in the Victorian Government’s total investment in alcohol and other drug (AOD) services to a new record of $415.5M, however the modest increase will not address the systemic limitations that continue to plague access to AOD treatment and support for Victorians.

The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) is concerned by the record levels of substance use reported within the community. The ACIC's 25th report of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program revealed that consumption of heroin, cocaine and methylamphetamine has reached unprecedented levels of consumption.

This Snapshot explores the role, representation and experiences of workers with lived and living experience in the AOD sector. The findings reinforce the critical contribution of the LLE workforce and point to the structural supports needed to formalise, value and sustain these roles across the system.

This Snapshot takes a closer look at the realities of working in rural and regional Victoria, from workforce sustainability to service pressures and opportunities.

In 2025 VAADA conducted its second Victorian Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Workforce Survey, with more than 480 AOD workers giving their experiences and perspectives. VAADA have shared an overall snapshot highlighting some of the key findings from the report.

As Victoria’s peak body for alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, VAADA brings a system-level perspective on how DFSV, substance use and suicide risk intersect over time, and how service responses can shape safety, risk and lethality.

The Victorian Alcohol & Drug Association (VAADA) is delighted that the Department of Treasury and Finance has chosen Young People Requiring Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Treatment with Multiple and Complex Needs as the priority cohort for the 6th Partnerships Addressing Disadvantage (PAD).

VAADA strongly supports the continuation and strengthening of cohealth’s general practice services, recognising the critical and irreplaceable role cohealth plays in providing accessible, stigma-free primary care to many Victorians experiencing acute disadvantage including AOD dependence.

The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) welcomes the release of the Victorian Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Strategy 2025-2035 as a landmark moment that has the potential to usher in significant benefits for all Victorians.