Publications

VAADA's 2026 State Budget Submission identifies 10 key priorities to address enduring and emerging issues in the AOD treatment system that impede access to AOD treatment, creating challenges in effective delivery of person-centred care.

The Victorian AOD sector is at an important juncture with the recent release of the Victorian AOD Strategy. The 2026 VAADA State Budget Submission presents a tangible opportunity to realign service delivery with client needs, strengthen system design, invest in our workforce and improve crss-sector integration.

VAADA's 2025 Sector Demand Survey has revealed that on any day during September 2025, there were 4550 Victorians on waitlists for various forms of funded alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment.

As Victoria enters the next phase of mental health reform, VAADA is proud to launch our latest report. This paper builds on previous work and aims to ensure that integrated, person-centred care becomes the standard across Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system.

The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) is disappointed that the Victorian Government has rejected recommendations relating to the decriminalisation of cannabis following the Inquiry into the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis) Bill 2023.

Melbourne City Council has committed $2 million to expand its Community Safety Function, placing more security officers on city streets to respond to behaviours such as public drinking and begging. While intended to enhance safety, this approach risks harming those already facing disadvantage—people experiencing homelessness, substance dependence, and mental health challenges.

This AOD Sector Insights report presents aggregated insights from the VAADABase pilot project, which has compiled data from 15 Victorian Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) agencies over the period of 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.

A historic milestone for Victoria. The State-wide Treaty Bill was tabled in Parliament. This is more than legislation, it is a profound shift towards self-determination, recognising Aboriginal expertise, and embedding solutions driven by community knowledge. VAADA is proud to have pledged our support for Treaty. We walk alongside First Peoples in building a better,...

The fatal overdose data released today by the Coroners Court of Victoria is of major concern to the VictorianAlcohol and Drug Association (VAADA).

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).