Media Release
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Media Release | Victorian AOD Strategy a welcome opportunity to address enduring substance-related harm in the community
- December 5, 2025
- Posted by: Caitlyn Wilson
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No CommentsThe 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.
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Media Release | Preventing family violence: substance use should not be a barrier to achieving change
- December 1, 2025
- Posted by: Caitlyn Wilson
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The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) is pleased to release the position paper entitled Strengthening the Role of the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Sector in Responding to Gendered
Violence in support of the international 16 Days of Activism. -
Media Release | State Budget Submission 2026
- November 13, 2025
- Posted by: Caitlyn Wilson
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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.
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Media Release | No right door: AOD treatment system overwhelmed by chronic demand
- October 30, 2025
- Posted by: Caitlyn Wilson
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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.
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Press Release | Rejection of Cannabis Bill perpetuates poorly utilised law and order resourcing
- October 15, 2025
- Posted by: Trudi Jordan
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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.
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Gaps in AOD services contributing to extraordinary overdose toll
- August 12, 2025
- Posted by: Caitlyn Wilson
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The fatal overdose data released today by the Coroners Court of Victoria is of major concern to the VictorianAlcohol and Drug Association (VAADA).
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Drug adulteration from potent synthetic opioids remains a nationwide risk
- April 16, 2025
- Posted by: Caitlyn Wilson
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The tragic overdose fatalities of four individuals in Broadmeadows in 2024 highlight the urgency of a Potent Synthetic Opioid Plan. With a further 601 fatal overdoses occurring in Victoria in the 23-24 financial year, the time to act is now.
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Pragmatic Reforms Required to Curb Victoria’s Soaring Overdose Toll
- October 3, 2024
- Posted by: Trudi Jordan
- Category:
The fatal overdose data released today by the Coroners Court of Victoria is of great concern to VAADA, highlighting the ongoing despair and pain in our community from continuing high rates of fatal overdose.
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VAADA Press Release | Drug checking trial will save lives
- June 25, 2024
- Posted by: Trudi Jordan
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VAADA and the AOD sector are celebrating as the Victorian Government has announced their commitment to a drug checking implementation trial in Victoria. VAADA has been actively advocating for this over the past 12 months and we look forward to supporting its development. Earlier this year Harm Reduction Victoria and VAADA developed a report “Drug Checking: Principles of Practice” we anticipate that this will inform the trial.
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State Budget does not address soaring drug treatment waitlists
- May 7, 2024
- Posted by: Trudi Jordan
- Category:
The 2024/25 Victorian State Budget maintains AOD funding at existing levels, with a 1% increase to $376.3M. This includes $9.7m for the Statewide Action Plan, but excludes a 2nd overdose prevention centre in the CBD. VAADA remains concerned about surging demand for AOD treatment and the sustainability of services.