Publications

Press release 12/10/2022 Greens announcement for additional AOD capacity and drug law reform most welcome   The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) welcomes the AOD policies announced by the Greens on 10 October. These policies will lead to: The initial decriminalisation of all drugs (1 January 2023); The regulation of cannabis (1...

World Mental Health Day 10th October 2022 “Make Mental Health and Wellbeing for all a global priority” On this World Mental Health Day, VAADA wish to acknowledge the many individuals that experience co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns in Victoria and the support of the AOD sector workforce in ensuring that mental health...

MEDIA RELEASE 6/10/2022 Auditor-General identifies necessary changes to drug treatment data system The damning findings from the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO) report into Victoria’s Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Data will surprise no one in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment sector. The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) welcomes this report...

The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Suicide Prevention and Response Strategy. The strategy, along with the Victorian Suicide Prevention Framework 2016-2025, can provide a means of fostering social conditions that protect against suicide, identifying and mitigating risk factors for suicide, and acute and targeted support and...

This Issues Paper offers reflections, from an AOD perspective, on the revised Mental Health Bill, to generate thinking, discussion and space for advocacy. We welcome any thoughts, concerns, or differences of opinion on the issues raised and value contributions from all. The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System found that the existing Mental...

MEDIA RELEASE 30/8/2022 Coronial death toll drops but so much more to be done 2021 fatal overdose data released The Coroners Court of Victoria today released the 2021 fatal overdose data which shows a reduction in fatal overdose from 536 (2020) to 500 (2021). The release of this data is timely with International...

The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) welcomes the commitment from the Victorian Opposition to resource additional residential rehabilitation and withdrawal capacity in Shepparton, Warrnambool, La Trobe as well as Frankston and Melbourne. This commitment, on top of the Victorian government’s earlier uplift would create equity in access across most of Victoria with regard...

The Pandemic Declaration Accountability and Oversight Committee (the Committee) today released two reports which made a number of recommendations. The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) supports recommendations 13 – 16 of the Minority Report which highlight the increasing alcohol and other drug (AOD) harms and soaring demand for AOD treatment which has occurred...

Victoria’s alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment system cannot meet community demand for treatment. COVID-19 has only made this worse. The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) today releases their election statement calling for fair and equitable access to AOD treatment across Victoria. The statement, referencing Victorian AOD treatment agency waitlist data, reveals that...

Victorians deserve an alcohol and other drug treatment workforce that is highly skilled, capable of supporting people with a range of issues and stable. That means that remuneration and conditions must be competitive with similar industries Recommendations Recommendation 1 The 100EFT of AOD workers is extended Recommendation 2 To ensure that all Victorians can...