Following a referral from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP, on 22 August 2024 the House Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport initiated an inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) in Australia. This inquiry aims to address the profound effects of AOD on individuals, families and communities, and to recommend improvements to the coordination and effectiveness of treatment services, community programs, and policies.
The scope of the inquiry is timely, as Australia has witnessed over 42,000 preventable overdose deaths between 2002 and 2022, with AOD issues accounting for 6.7% of the country’s total disease and injury burden.
VAADA’s submission calls for transformative changes, including increased AOD treatment funding, significant drug law reform, and a robust national governance system. Key concerns raised include the adverse impact of insufficient funding and an overreliance on law enforcement to address AOD issues. The resulting imbalance contributes to stigma, a lack of early intervention, and a shortage of treatment options.
VAADA also emphasises the need for improved data systems to better serve diverse population groups, more secure funding models to address workforce challenges, and a well-supported harm reduction system to prevent fatal overdoses. With the next National Drug Strategy, the government has a unique opportunity to advance evidence-informed policies that can protect and strengthen Australia’s AOD treatment systems, securing a healthier future for all Australians.