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Submission to Infrastructure Victoria

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Shaping Victoria’s Infrastructure for the Next 30 Years

The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) has made a formal submission to Infrastructure Victoria’s Draft 30-Year Infrastructure Strategy 2025–2055, advocating for the critical inclusion of health and social infrastructure to better support people affected by alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues.

Key recommendations in VAADA’s submission include:

  • Establish a Recurrent AOD Capital Grants Program 
    VAADA calls for a $30 million, three-year grants program to urgently address infrastructure gaps in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector.
  • Embed AOD Beds in All Public Hospitals 
    Recommends dedicated AOD and/or withdrawal beds in every Victorian public hospital to ensure equitable state-wide access and integrate AOD treatment into mainstream healthcare.
  • Prioritise AOD Digital Infrastructure 
    Suggests recognising AOD data systems as essential to Victoria’s digital health strategy, urging full implementation of AOD-related recommendations from the Mental Health Royal Commission and Auditor-General reports.
  • Boost Harm Reduction Infrastructure 
    Advocates for expanded investment in life-saving harm reduction services, including:

    • Needle and Syringe Programs (especially in regional areas)
    • Take-Home Naloxone programs
    • Overdose Prevention Facilities in high-risk locations
    • Drug-checking services (fixed and mobile units)
  • Develop a Potent Synthetic Opioids Plan 
    Creation of a state-wide plan to tackle the threat of synthetic opioids through early warning systems, workforce training, coordinated service delivery, and expanded harm reduction measures.

Victoria is facing growing public health challenges from AOD use, yet the sector remains significantly under-resourced. Despite the scale of harm and economic impact, many people still cannot access the treatment they need. With targeted infrastructure investment, including treatment facilities, harm reduction services, and data systems, Victoria has the opportunity to deliver a coordinated, evidence-based response that reduces harm and improves community wellbeing.