Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs
National Drug Strategy 2010–2015
Annual Report to the
Standing Council on Police and
Emergency Management and the
Standing Council on Health
2011–2012
1
Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs
On behalf of the Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs, I am pleased to present
the twelfth edition of the Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs Annual Report
for the 2011-2012 financial year.
This is the first annual report under the National Drug Strategy 2010-2015. The
National Drug Strategy provides a national framework for action to minimise the
harms to individuals, families and communities from alcohol, tobacco and other
drugs.
The information provided in this annual report demonstrates the significant work
undertaken by health and law enforcement officials in each jurisdiction to
implement policy and programs under the National Drug Strategy framework.
Detective Superintendent Brett Guerin
Chair
Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs
2
Table of Contents
Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs National Drug Strategy 2010–2015 ............ 1
Annual Report to the Standing Council on Police and Emergency Management and the
Standing Council on Health 2011–2012 ...................................................................... 1
InterGovernmental Committee on Drugs ...................................................................... 2
Preface ........................................................................................................................... 5
Purpose of this Report ............................................................................................... 5
Contact information................................................................................................... 5
Executive summary ....................................................................................................... 6
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 8
1.1
National Drug Strategy 2010–2015 ................................................................ 8
1.2
Objectives and priorities of the National Drug Strategy ................................ 8
1.3
Patterns of drug use ........................................................................................ 9
1.4
Advisory structure of the National Drug Strategy .......................................... 9
Activities of the IGCD 2011-2012 .............................................................................. 10
3
4
5
6
7
2.1
Meetings ....................................................................................................... 10
2.2
Standing Committees and Working Groups ................................................. 11
2.3
Joint work of the IGCD and the ANCD ....................................................... 11
Australian Government ....................................................................................... 13
3.1
Demand Reduction ....................................................................................... 13
3.2
Supply Reduction ......................................................................................... 20
3.3
Harm Reduction ............................................................................................ 27
New South Wales ................................................................................................ 31
4.1
Demand Reduction ....................................................................................... 31
4.2
Supply Reduction ......................................................................................... 40
4.3
Harm Reduction ............................................................................................ 43
Victoria ................................................................................................................ 48
5.1
Demand Reduction ....................................................................................... 48
5.2
Supply Reduction ......................................................................................... 62
5.3
Harm Reduction ............................................................................................ 66
Queensland .......................................................................................................... 71
6.1
Demand Reduction ....................................................................................... 71
6.2
Supply Reduction ......................................................................................... 79
6.3
Harm Reduction ............................................................................................ 82
Western Australia ................................................................................................ 86
7.1
Demand Reduction ....................................................................................... 86
3
Supply Reduction ......................................................................................... 89
7.3
Harm Reduction ............................................................................................ 91
8
7.2
South Australia .................................................................................................... 94
8.1
Demand Reduction ....................................................................................... 94
8.2
Supply Reduction ......................................................................................... 97
8.3
Harm Reduction .......................................................................................... 100
9 Tasmania ................................................................................................................ 104
9.1
Demand Reduction ..................................................................................... 104
9.2
Supply Reduction ....................................................................................... 112
9.3
Harm Reduction .......................................................................................... 118
Northern Territory ..................................................................................................... 126
Demand Reduction.................................................................................. 126
10.2
Supply Reduction .................................................................................... 132
10.3
Harm Reduction ...................................................................................... 134
11
10.1
Australian Capital Territory .............................................................................. 138
11.1
Demand Reduction.................................................................................. 138
11.2
Supply Reduction .................................................................................... 139
11.3
Harm Reduction ...................................................................................... 140
Reports and research supporting the NDS ................................................................ 144
12.1
IGCD Cost Shared Funding Model......................................................... 144
12.2
The National Drug Research Centres of Excellence ............................... 145
12.3
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) ........................ 146
12.3
National Drug Research Institute (NDRI) .............................................. 147
12.4
National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) .... 149
New Projects ..................................................................................................... 150
Continuing Projects ........................................................................................... 150
Completed Projects & Resource Development ................................................. 151
Dissemination Activities ................................................................................... 151
12.5
National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund (NDLERF) ................ 152
Appendix A: List of Contributors ............................................................................. 155
Appendix B: IGCD membership 2011-12 ................................................................ 156
References ................................................................................................................. 157
4
Preface
Purpose of this Report
This is the thirteenth annual report on progress of Australian, State and Territory
Governments and the first under the National Drug Strategy 2010-2015 (NDS). The
Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs (IGCD) is required to provide relevant and
interested Ministers with an annual monitoring report on the implementation of each NDS.
This annual report provides an overview of the activities undertaken by all jurisdictions over
the period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012, under the National Drug Strategy 2010-2015.
A broad national view of the key drug-related issues affecting Australia with a particular
focus on the interventions undertaken by government agencies to reduce the supply,
demand and harms associated with drug use across sectors is presented in the annual
report.
The data provided in the annual report are largely descriptive. Given the multiplicity and
complexity of factors affecting drug use in Australian society, caution is required in
interpreting simple cause-and-effect relationships from the data.
Contact information
For further information about the IGCD Annual Report, please contact the Secretariat:
IGCD Secretariat
Drug Strategy Branch
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
MDP 803
GPO Box 9848
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Telephone:
(02) 6289 7470
Email:
IGCD, Department of Health
Website:
National Drug Strategy website
5
Executive summary
This report illustrates the substantial achievements against the Pillars of the National Drug
Strategy 2010-2015 (NDS) during the reporting period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012, and
includes a chapter for each jurisdiction’s activities and updates on supporting research.
The Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs (IGCD) has continued its efforts to reduce the
demand for and the supply of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs, as well as minimising the
harms caused by these drugs.
Supply reduction efforts have included:

ongoing collaboration between law enforcement agencies, both domestic and
international, resulting in many detections of substances and large seizures of illicit
drugs;

continuing efforts to assess the risk posed by individual precursors and introduce
controls to mitigate identified risks;

continuing efforts to measure the overall economic value to the community of the harm
avoided by domestic and overseas seizures of illicit drugs;

responding to new psychoactive substances; and

building the evidence base for policy and regulatory responses in relation to tobacco
related products.
Demand reduction activities have included:

funding targeted towards prevention of substance misuse, treatment and service
improvement;

initiatives to prevent binge drinking;

commencing the development of a National Tobacco Strategy;

campaigns targeting illicit drugs and tobacco;

through the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), calling for international cooperation
in responding to challenges posed by new psychoactive substances; and

numerous tobacco control initiatives including the introduction of new legislation to
mandate tobacco products to be sold in plain packaging.
The IGCD has also put a substantial effort into reducing the harmful effects of drug use
through the following activities:

the continuation of the Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes program
including the Tackling Smoking workforce aimed to reduce smoking rates in Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities.

diverting drug users and under-age drinkers into health-based assessment and
treatment;
6

social marketing campaigns relating to the harms caused by tobacco, alcohol and illicit
drugs;

building capacity to provide treatment and services to people with co-existing substance
use and mental health problems; and

raising awareness of the risks of harmful drinking including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorder initiatives
The IGCD has remained strongly committed to its goal of reducing the supply and demand
for licit and illicit drugs, as well as reducing the harms caused by those drugs. This
commitment has been echoed throughout the development of the National Drug Strategy
2010-2015 which has been a key priority of the IGCD during the reporting period.
7
Introduction
1.1
National Drug Strategy 2010–2015
The 2010-15 NDS was finalised in 2011 after an extensive consultation process that began in
December 2009 with the release of a consultation paper and concluded in December 2010
with the close of comments on a draft of the Strategy. Feedback was received from
individuals, experts, industry and the broader community.
The NDS aims to build safe and healthy communities by minimising alcohol, tobacco and
other drug related health, social and economic harms among individuals, families and
communities.
The NDS is a joint venture between Australian, State and Territory Governments and the
non-government sector. It promotes a partnership approach by providing a shared vision, a
structure for coordinated action between government and the non-government sector, and
cooperation between health, law enforcement and education agencies.
Since 1985, Australia has had a coordinated national policy for addressing drug alcohol,
tobacco and other drugs in the community with the development of the National Campaign
Against Drug Abuse (NCADA). In 1993 it was renamed the National Drug Strategy and has
since progressed through three further phases – the National Drug Strategic Framework
1998-99 to 2002–03, the National Drug Strategy: Australia’s Integrated Framework 2004–
2009 and the current National Drug Strategy 2010-2015.
1.2
Objectives and priorities of the National Drug Strategy
The NDS aims to minimise the harms of drug use using a three pillar approach:
Demand reduction:




Prevent uptake and delay of onset of drug use;
Reduce use of drugs in the community;
Support people to recover from dependence and reconnect with the community; and
Support efforts to promote social inclusion and resilient individuals and families.
Supply reduction:


Reduce the supple of illegal drugs (both current and emerging); and
Control and manage the supply of alcohol, tobacco and other legal drugs.
Harm reduction:



Reduce harms to community safety and amenity;
Reduce harms to families; and
Reduce harms to individuals.
Chapters 3 to 11 detail jurisdictional activities undertaken during 2011-2012 against each of
these priority areas.
8
1.3
Patterns of drug use
The use of drugs in the Australian population impacts on individuals, families, communities
and the economy. Each year it contributes to thousands of deaths, significant illness, disease
and injury, social and family disruption, workplace concerns, violence, crime and community
safety.
The harms caused by drug use cost taxpayers billions of dollars each year. The estimated
cost of drug use to the Australian society in 2004-05 was $55.2 billion (Collins & Lapsley
2008). Of this, tobacco accounted for $31.5 billion (56.2 per cent), alcohol accounted for
$15.3 billion (27.3 per cent), and illicit drugs $8.2 billion (14.6 per cent).
Alcohol and tobacco remained the most widely used drugs in the Australian population in
2010 with 18.1% of people in Australia aged 14 years and older using tobacco and 80.5%
consuming alcohol in the past year. The percentage of the population aged 14 years and
older reporting daily smoking in 2010 was 15.1% and this has continued to decrease since
1995. In 2010, 28.4% of Australians aged 14 and older reported drinking at levels that put
them at risk of injury on a single occasion at least once a month in the past year, and 20.1%
reported drinking at levels that put them at risk of harm over their lifetime (AIHW 2011).
In 2010, 14.7% of the population aged 14 years and older had used an illicit substance in the
past year. Cannabis was the most commonly used illicit drug with 10.3% of the population
using cannabis in that past 12 months. This was followed by ecstasy (3%), painkillers/analgesics for non-medical purposes (3%), meth/amphetamine (2.1%) and cocaine
(2.1%) (AIHW 2011).
The non-medical use of pharmaceuticals is an emerging issue. In 2010, 4.2% of people aged
14 years or older reported having misused a pharmaceutical drug in the past 12 months,
increasing from 3.7% in 2007 (AIHW 2011).
Encouragingly, the overall population use of most drugs has declined over the last decade or
remained stable at low levels in recent years. However, there is some evidence to suggest
that people who are using alcohol and other drugs are experiencing greater harm. Alcoholrelated hospital separations have increased over time from 29,891, in 2001-02 (AIHW 2003)
to 61,125 in 2009-10 (AIHW 2010). The number of drug and alcohol treatment episodes
where alcohol is the principal drug of concern has increased over the past nine years from
41,886 in 2001-02 (AIHW 2003) to 67,450 in 2009-10 (AIHW 2010).
1.4
Advisory structure of the National Drug Strategy
During 2011-12, the advisory structure of the NDS consisted of:

the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy (MCDS) which previously functioned as the
peak policy and decision-making body in relation to licit and illicit drugs in Australia
was discontinued on 30 June 2011. The MCDS was represented by the Australian and
State and Territory Ministers of health and law enforcement, and the Australian
Government Minister responsible for education.

the Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs (IGCD) which provided policy advice to
Ministers on the full range of drug-related matters and was responsible for
implementing the NDS. As the MCDS was disbanded, endorsement of IGCD items
were put to individual IGCD member Ministers, where appropriate, whilst the IGCD
9
Governance was being confirmed. The IGCD consisted of senior officers representing
health and law enforcement in each Australian jurisdiction, and people with expertise
in identified priority areas including representatives of the Australian Customs and
Border Protection Service, and the Department of Education, Employment and
Workplace Relations. The IGCD membership during 2011-12 is listed in Appendix A;

the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) continued to bring independent
expert advice from a community perspective to redress drug-related harms and
enhanced the partnership between the government and community sectors in the
development and implementation of policies and programs;

the three National Drug Research Centres of Excellence (the National Drug and
Alcohol Research Centre, the National Drug Research Institute, and the National
Centre for Education on Training and Addiction) continued to develop research
products and facilitate research into matters identified as priorities under the NDS;
and

time-limited IGCD Working Groups provided advice to the MCDS and IGCD on specific
issues.
Secretariat support to the MCDS and IGCD is provided through the Drug Strategy Branch of
the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
Figure 1: National Drug Strategy Governance Framework
Activities of the IGCD 2011-2012
2.1
Meetings
The IGCD met on four occasions during the reporting period:

9 August 2011 – IGCD Stakeholder Forum held in Melbourne;

10 and 11 August 2011 - IGCD Strategic Workshop in Melbourne;

9 and 10 November 2011- IGCD meeting in Adelaide; and
10

29 March 2012 - IGCD meeting in Canberra.
To progress the agenda and work plan of the IGCD, the IGCD Executive held 10
teleconferences during the reporting period.
2.2
Standing Committees and Working Groups
During 2010–12 the IGCD was supported by four Standing Committees and three time
limited Working Groups. Membership of these Standing Committees and Working Groups
consisted of intergovernmental councils, government agencies, non-government
organisations, the research sector, peak organisations, consumers, carers and industry. The
following Standing Committees and Working Groups were active during the reporting
period:
Standing Committees



Alcohol;
Tobacco;
Illicit Drugs; and
Pharmaceutical Drugs Misuse.
Time-limited Working Groups


2.3
Research and Data;
Workforce Development; and
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Drug Strategy.
Joint work of the IGCD and the ANCD
The Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) continues to play an important role in the
policy advisory framework to Government on alcohol and other drugs matters.
During 2011-12, the ANCD worked across a broad agenda which has included injecting drug
use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and
treatments for opioid dependence.
Specific highlights for the ANCD in 2011-12 include:
As part of a consortium including the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia, the
Australian Drug Foundation and the Ted Noffs Foundation, the ANCD supported the
production of the National Drug and Alcohol Awards. In June, the ANCD hosted the 2011,
awards ceremony, which aims to encourage, recognise and celebrate Australian
achievements to prevent and reduce alcohol and other drug use and harm.
In August 2011, the ANCD co-hosted the 6th meeting of the Pacific Drug and Alcohol
Research Network (PDARN) in Vanuatu. PDARN provides a regular forum for dialogue,
information sharing, capacity building and partnerships in drug and alcohol, toward
minimising drug and alcohol related harms across the region.
In November 2011, the ANCD co-hosted the 24th Annual meeting of the International
Federation of Non-Government Organisations (IFNGO) in Malaysia. IFNGO engages in
11
addressing substance misuse and has Special Consultative Status with the United Nations
Economic and Social Council, as well as formal links to a range of international bodies,
including the International Labour Organisation (ILO), UNESCO, WHO, and ASEAN.
During this period the Of Substance editorial team increased the frequency of betweenissues electronic bulletins delivered by email, publishing an eBulletin approximately once
each month, and on occasions of breaking news. This strategy ensures Of Substance
continues to maintain a high visibility and presence in the AOD and related sectors.
In 2011-12 the ANCD continued to contribute to the policy making of the Government from
a whole-of-society perspective.
12
3
Australian Government
3.1
Demand Reduction
3.1.1 Prevent uptake and delay onset of drug use
Flexible Funds
The Substance Misuse Prevention and Service Improvement Grants (SMPSIG) fund was
announced in the 2011-12 Budget. It was one of 18 new or expanded funds established
through the consolidation of some 159 smaller programs.
The Fund’s primary objective is to support prevention of substance misuse and to promote
service improvement within the drug and alcohol and related sectors.
In 2011-12 a total of $26.6 million was made available through Round One of the SMPSIGF.
Round One was divided into two tranches: open grant funding process and a targeted grant
funding process. The application period for round one closed on 23 December 2011.
Open Funding Round
Seven projects (totalling $2.6 million over 3 years) have been shortlisted for funding under
round one to enhance community awareness of illicit drug issues, support the prevention of
substance misuse and to promote service improvement within the drug and alcohol and
related sectors.
Targeted Funding Round
Eight projects (totalling $24 million over 3 years) have been shortlisted for funding under
round one to support significant research and data activities under the National Drug
Strategy, towards reducing the harms associated with the misuse of alcohol and other drugs.
Australia has an internationally recognised drug and alcohol research and data collection
sector.
National Drugs Campaign
The National Drugs Campaign continues to educate the public on the risks and harms
associated with illicit drug use and in supporting decisions not to use. The measure also
provides information for parents of young people, including information relating to alcohol
and drug support services.
The last phase of the National Drugs Campaign commenced in December 2011, and
concluded in June 2012. The Campaign featured radio, print, outdoor, online and in-venue
advertising and a campaign website. Youth marketing and public relations activities were
also used to engage young people.
Evaluations of the Campaign have indicated that its reach has been strong and that it has
influenced the way young people think about drugs.
Since 2005-06, the Government has committed $45 million to the Campaign, including the
2010 Budget allocation of $21 million over four years, to undertake the next phase of the
Campaign.
13
The Campaign complements the Australian Government’s continuing support for the
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre’s efforts to educate the community
about the harms of cannabis use.
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC)
NCPIC was established in 2007 to prevent and reduce the use of, and problems related to,
cannabis in Australia. NCPIC aims to reduce the use of cannabis in Australia by providing the
community, particularly young people, with evidence-based information on cannabis and
related harms and by supporting services delivering treatment to those with cannabis
problems.
The 2010 Budget allocated an additional $12.9 million over four years to NCPIC.
NCPIC continues to develop and distribute, on a national scale, a large number of resources
and training materials. These include factsheets and booklets; clinical assessment tools;
bulletins and materials designed for various target audiences within the community. These
resources are available free of charge from the NCPIC website at www.ncpic.org.au.
NCPIC also provides extensive training across Australia through clinical, community and
youth training sessions for a variety of workforces dealing with cannabis effected clients.
The freecall Cannabis Information Helpline (1800 30 40 50) continues to be available
nationally and is serviced by NCPIC consortium partner, Lifeline.
Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC)
The Government continues to work with the alcohol industry to promote a more responsible
approach to both advertising and promotions. This includes the Department of Health and
Ageing’s membership of the ABAC Management Committee as a representative of Australian
Governments.
The Government’s response to the Preventative Health Taskforce report: Taking
Preventative Action – A Response to Australia: The Healthiest Country by 2020, indicated
that the Government would ‘continue to monitor whether action from the alcohol industry
is sustained, well evaluated and successful over the next three years. Following advice from
ANPHA’s Expert Committee on Alcohol and a number of key stakeholders, it was decided
that ANPHA’s approach to alcohol advertising should be broadened to review the
effectiveness of the alcohol industry’s voluntary code on advertising and its effectiveness in
addressing community concerns.
National Binge Drinking Strategy
The National Binge Drinking Strategy continued to address the high incidence of risky
drinking among young people aged 12-24 years. Following the Excise Tariff Amendment
(2009 Measures No.1) Act 2009 and the Customs Tariff Amendment (2009 Measures No.1)
Act 2009 receiving Royal Assent on 27 August 2009, the Government committed an
additional $50 million over four years (2010-2014), bringing the total funding for the
National Binge Drinking Strategy to $103.5 million, which includes:

$34.4 million for community level initiatives to confront the culture of binge drinking,
particularly in sporting organisations;
 Three Community Grants Rounds;
 Club Champions program; and
14




 Good Sports program.
$25 million for a community sponsorship fund to provide an alternative to alcohol
industry sponsorship for local community sporting and cultural organisations;
$20 million for advertising that confronts young people with the costs and
consequences of binge drinking, the ‘Don’t turn a night out into a nightmare’
campaign;
$19.1 million to intervene earlier to assist young people and ensure that they assume
personal responsibility for their binge drinking; and
$5 million for the enhancement of telephone counselling services and alcohol
referrals.
Community Based Grants
Funding of $7.2 million over four years is committed to establish partnerships between nongovernment organisations, local government, sporting groups, police and other
organisations that work together in developing solutions to address youth binge drinking
within local communities.



The first round of community based grants commenced in November 2008, and all 19
projects were successfully completed by June 2011.
The second round of community based grants commenced in February 2010, and all
19 community projects were successfully completed by June 2012.
The third round of community based grants were implemented by the Australian
National Preventive Health Agency and commenced in early 2012.
Club Champions Program
$2 million dollars over four years is committed to the Club Champions Program to help
foster leaders in the promotion of responsible drinking practices both within sport and in the
broader community through the provision of alcohol education based on the key messages
of the National Binge Drinking Strategy.
Under phase one of the program, funding agreements were entered into with seven key
sporting organisations, including: the Australian Football League, Australian Rugby Union,
National Rugby League, Cricket Australia, Netball Australia, Football Federation Australia,
and Swimming Australia.
The sporting organisation developed an implementation plan for the development and
delivery of sport-specific alcohol education and training programs tailored to complement
any existing alcohol programs in place.
Phase two included the seven sporting organisations that participated in phase one of the
program and the addition of Basketball Australia. This program was completed in June 2012.
Good Sports Program
The Department of Health and Ageing (the Department) has provided $5.2 million (GST excl)
over five years (2008-09 to 2012-13) to the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) ADF for the
expansion of the Good Sports Program. The Program is continuing to help sporting clubs
Australia-wide manage alcohol service responsibly and reduce alcohol-related problems
such as binge and under-age drinking. The key strategy of Good Sports is the accreditation
15
program, which consists of a three-level accreditation system, including a set of alcohol
management standards for clubs that serve and consume alcohol. Clubs are required to
move through the accreditation levels within 5 years, maintaining all the criteria from
previous levels as they do so.
In 2010-11, 647 sporting clubs joined the program. As at 31 May 2012, 5040 community
sporting clubs had joined the program since inception. The official launch of the Good
Sports Program in Western Australia was held on 1 September 2012 in collaboration with
Healthway. This expands the Good Sports Program to a national program.
Future funding for the Good Sports program has now been secured by Australian
Government funding, through the Australian National Prevention Health Agency, and will
provide $8.1 million to the ADF to continue, and extend the Good Sports Program over the
next two years to June 2014.
Early Intervention Pilot Program
All states and territories have been provided with funding to implement the Early
Intervention Pilot Program (EIPP) across metropolitan and regional locations. The EIPP aims
to help youth who are participating in under-age drinking activities and who have been
intercepted by police, to get ‘back on track’ before more serious alcohol-related problems
emerge. Working with all state and territory police and health departments, young people
are moved from engagement with police to the health system where they receive
information and counselling to encourage a change in attitudes and behaviours.
The EIPP has been extended to June 2013 with activities being integrated into broader
existing programs which are funded by state/territory governments and established nongovernment organisations. Such programs include school curriculums and mentoring
programs for Indigenous communities. This is seen as positive steps in ensuring
sustainability of the EIPP beyond the funded four year pilot. Jurisdictions are providing good
outcomes with anecdotal evidence reporting early signs of behavior change amongst
underage drinkers. A national evaluation of the EIPP commenced in August 2012 and will be
finalised in June 2013.
Commission on Narcotic Drugs
The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing led the Australian
delegation to the 55th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND55) meeting held
in Vienna in March 2012. The CND is the central policy-making body of the United Nations
in drug-related matters. The CND enables Member States to analyse the global drug
situation and to take measures at the global level within its scope of action.
A key issue of importance to Australia at the 2012 Commission was the emergence of new
psychoactive substances (NPS) (eg. mephedrone and synthetic cannabis). Australia, in
cooperation with Japan and the United Kingdom (on behalf of European Union member
states of CND) sponsored the adoption of a resolution calling for international cooperation
in responding to the challenges posed by new psychoactive substances. The resolution
was widely supported by the Commission and following its adoption, the Commonwealth
continues to work with governments of other Member States to progress work supporting
the outcomes of the resolution.
16
Australia also co-hosted aside-event at CND on new psychoactive substances in
partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The event was
well supported with attendance by over 200 delegates, demonstrating the high level of
global interest in responding to this issue.
Another key issue of importance to Australia at CND is ensuring access to controlled
medicines for medical and scientific need. While medical opiates are affordable and in
adequate supply in high-income countries, their availability is limited or zero in many lowincome countries. Reasons for this limited availability range from lack of supply due to fears
of abuse and dependence; overly onerous control measures; and difficulty in building cheap
and effective regulatory systems to comply with obligations under the international narcotic
control treaties.
Following Australia’s co-sponsorship of a US-led resolution in 2010, Australia led the
adoption by the Commission in 2011 of a follow-up resolution on promoting adequate
availability of internationally controlled narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for
medical and scientific purposes. This resolution seeks to ensure that all countries have
access to effective and affordable opiate medicines for relief from acute and chronic
severe pain as well as for providing effective treatments for epilepsy, opioid dependence
and emergency obstetric care.
The Australian Government has pledged $170,000 to the UNODC to support work toward
achieving the outcomes of the Australia-led resolution, which will include the review of the
UNODC’s model laws on drug control, as well as conducting pilot projects in selected
countries aimed at increasing the number of patients receiving appropriate treatment.
The Commonwealth agencies that attended CND in 2011-12
Department of Health and Ageing
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
Attorney-General’s Department
National Tobacco Strategy 2012-2018
The development of the National Tobacco Strategy (NTS) 2012-2018 has been overseen by
the IGCD Standing Committee on Tobacco (Standing Committee) and supported through
the Australian Government’s Reinvigoration of the National Tobacco Strategy measure.
Development of the NTS 2012-2018 has taken into account the review of the National
Tobacco Strategy 2004-2009 and key policy contexts for tobacco control. The goal of the
NTS 2012-2018 is “to improve the health of all Australians by reducing the prevalence of
smoking and its associated health, social and economic costs, and the inequalities it
causes”.
In late 2011, on behalf of the Standing Committee, the Australian Government
commissioned the preparation of a draft for consultation of the NTS 2012-2018 (draft for
consultation). In April 2012, Health Ministers agreed to the public release of the draft for
consultation of the NTS 2012-2018.
17
During June 2012, on behalf of the Standing Committee, the Australian Government
managed a public consultation on the draft for consultation. Public consultation included a
national call for written submissions and consultations with non-government stakeholders
with expertise in tobacco control and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders
with an interest in tobacco control. The NTS
2012-2018 is expected to be finalised by the end of 2012.
Anti-Smoking Social Marketing Campaigns - More Targeted Approach Campaign
Following commencement in February 2011, the National Tobacco Campaign – More
Targeted Approach continued during 2012, targeting high risk and hard to reach groups
including pregnant women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
(CALD), people living in socio-economically disadvantaged areas, people with mental illness
and prisoners.
The media component of the campaign commenced on 29 January 2012 and ran until 30
June 2012, and included advertisements in magazines and newspapers, in-venue TV, radio,
online, and out of home formats.
To complement the media buy, additional activities undertaken to support the campaign
included:




development of information resources targeting young pregnant women and their
partners, distributed nationally to hospital maternity units, GP surgeries and Medicare
shopfronts, and supported by online engagement activities;
development of a suite of information resources prepared in partnership with SANE
Australia to help people experiencing mental illness to quit smoking, with distribution
planned to occur in the second half of 2012;
development of a suite of materials, building on material produced by the Victorian
Department of Justice and Quit Victoria, to support prisoners and recently released
prisoners to quit smoking, with distribution planned to occur in the second half of
2012; and
sponsorship activities to target people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas,
including with the Australian Football League, V8 Supercars and the National Rugby
League.
Extending existing restrictions on tobacco advertising to the internet
Legislation amending the Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act 1992 (TAP Act) to extend
existing restrictions on tobacco advertising to the internet and other electronic media in
Australia (for example, mobile phones) received Royal Assent on 6 March 2012.
Public consultation on draft Regulations to govern internet point-of-sale tobacco advertising
(for example, imposing requirements to use plain, text-only format with graphic health
warnings and warnings about age restrictions) were undertaken in April 2012.
The legislative amendments and regulations will take effect on 6 September 2012.
Tobacco plain packaging and graphic health warnings
In 2011-12, the Government started implementing plain packaging through the Tobacco
18
Plain Packaging Act 2011 and the Trade Marks Amendment (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Act
2011. The Tobacco Plain Packaging Bill 2011 passed the Australian Parliament on
21 November 2011, including amendments to extend implementation timeframes. The
associated Trade Marks Amendment (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Bill 2011 passed on
10 November 2011. Both Bills received the Royal Assent on 1 December 2011.
The legislation requires all tobacco products for retail sale in Australia from
1 December 2012 to be in a drab dark brown colour in matt finish with brand and product
names in a standard colour, position, font style and size. The use of tobacco industry logos,
brand imagery, colours and promotional text on tobacco products and tobacco product
packaging is prohibited. Cigarette packs will be required to have standardized shapes and
openings. Plain packaging will be applied not just to cigarette products but to all tobacco
products, including loose leaf tobacco, cigars and bidis.
Graphic health warnings on tobacco products have been updated and expanded in the
Competition and Consumer (Tobacco) Information Standard 2011 (the Standard) which
commenced on 1 January 2012. All tobacco products are required to display the new
warnings by 1 December 2012 in line with plain packaging.



The size of graphic health warnings will increase to 75 per cent of the front of the pack
for cigarettes and cartons, up from 30 per cent, with the current 90 per cent warnings for
the back of packs retained.
The size of graphic health warnings for most other smoked tobacco products will increase
to 75 per cent of both the front and back of the pack.
The exemption from requiring health warnings on cigars sold singly has also been
removed with these products also required to have health warnings under the Standard.
Compliance and enforcement activities for tobacco plain packaging will commence on 1
October 2012 for manufacturers and on 1 December 2012 for retail offences. The model of
compliance and enforcement will include inspections of manufacturers, retailers and
suppliers based on information received by the Government. The Government has also
established a compliants line and email address for public complaints regarding compliance
with the plain packaging legislation. Any enforcement action undertaken for offences under
the Act will be proportionate to the alleged breach.
3.1.2 Support people to recover from dependence and reconnect with the
community
Drug and alcohol treatment service programs
In 2011-12, the Australian Government provided funding of more than $134 million to over
290 drug and alcohol services through the Substance Misuse and Service Delivery Grants
Fund (the Grants Fund) and the Non-Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program
(NGOTGP), to deliver a range of treatment services and to better manage clients with
substance use and mental health issues.
The Australian Government’s commitment to supporting drug and alcohol treatment
services through these initiatives will provide up to $725 million over four years (2011-12 to
2014-15).
19
The Grants Fund has been established as part of the Department’s new flexible funding
arrangements and provides a flexible funding pool for services that treat substance misuse.
The Grants Fund’s primary objective is to better promote and support drug and alcohol
treatment services across Australia to build capacity and to effectively identify and treat
coinciding mental illness and substance misuse. The Fund aims to improve the health and
social outcomes of those Australians with substance use issues including, aiding recovery
and reducing homelessness or the risk of homelessness.
The Grants Fund supports services targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and
vulnerable groups including people from rural and remote locations and those experiencing
homelessness.
The NGOTGP provides funding to non-government organisations to operate a range of drug
and alcohol treatment services. The NGOTGP aims to increase treatment places and improve
service outcomes. Organisations funded under NGOTGP provide treatment services
including, but not limited to, outpatient counselling, outreach support, peer support, home
detoxification, therapeutic communities and rehabilitation.
3.2
Supply Reduction
3.2.1 Reduce the supply of illegal drugs (both current and emerging)
The AFP and Customs and Border Protection continue to rigorously target illicit drug
importation leading to the detection and seizure of 14 838 kilograms of illicit drugs and
precursors chemicals during the 2011-12 financial year. This was a significant increase of
over 280% from the previous financial year, when 5297.62 kilograms of illicit substances
were seized.
Significant detections (by weight) during the year included:
 10,000 litres of hypophosphorous acid in sea cargo, Sydney;
 300 kilograms of cocaine detected on a yacht in Bundaberg;
 271 kilograms of cocaine detected in sea cargo, Melbourne;
 240 litres of safrole liquid, a precursor chemical for MDMA, detected in sea cargo,
Sydney;
 129.7 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine and 14 kilograms of cocaine detected in
sea cargo, Melbourne;
 118.4 kilograms of pseudoephedrine precursor chemical detected in sea cargo,
Sydney;
 97.7 kilograms of heroin detected in sea cargo, Sydney;
 41 kilograms of pseudoephedrine precursor chemical detected in sea cargo, Sydney;
 40 kilograms of ephedrine precursor chemical detected on two air passengers in
Sydney;
 30 kilograms of cocaine detected on a cruise ship passenger in Sydney; and
12 detections of a total 20 tablet press machines (14 ‘parts’ and 6 whole machines), 19 via air cargo
and one via sea cargo.
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (Customs and Border Protection) and
the Australian Federal Police (AFP) contribute to reducing the supply of illicit drugs to the
20
Australian community through the detection of substances and controlled equipment at the
Australian border.
In 2011–12, Customs and Border Protection and the AFP continued to detect and seize
significant amounts of illicit drugs and precursors. The number of detections in 2011–12 was
higher than in the previous 12 months. The total weight detected was more than 3 tonnes
for the five major drug types (cannabis, cocaine, heroin, MDMA and meth/amphetamines)
and precursors, and approximately 15 tonnes when including all substances and chemicals
seized at the border.
There has been an increase of 41 per cent in the number of detections this year compared to
2010–11, while the total weight of detections for 2011–12 has decreased by 26 per cent
from 2010–11. It is important to note however, the annual weight of drugs detected is
influenced by large but rare detections in sea cargo or smallcraft that are typically the result
of joint intelligence operations with partner agencies. For example, over 70 per cent of the
809.3 kilograms of cocaine detected in Australia in 2011–12 was in just two large detections,
of 300 kilograms and 271 kilograms, while 977 other detections of cocaine comprised the
remaining weight.
Customs and Border Protection achievements
Key achievements by Customs and Border Protection relating to the National Drug Strategy
and key priority areas during 2011-12 included:

Customs and Border Protection adapted targeting and investigative response to
counter a significant increase in ContacNT detections at the border, implementing a
national intervention strategy to disrupt and deter those involved in illegal
importations. This approach resulted in 278 detections (202 more than 2010-11),
with a total weight detected of more than one tonne.

In collaboration with the Australian Federal Police, Customs and Border Protection
commenced a 12 month pilot deployment of an x-ray body scanner at one of
Australia’s major international airports. The scanner is designed to enhance our
ability to identify and manage people arriving on international flights that are
suspected of concealing drugs internally.

With a view of improving cooperation and collaboration between agencies, with
respect to information and intelligence access and exchange, Customs and Border
Protection has been working closely with partner agencies to finalise a new AustraliaEU Passenger Name Record Agreement. This treaty-level agreement provides for the
transfer of EU-sourced passenger name record data by air carriers to Customs and
Border Protection for the purpose of countering serious transnational crime.

A total of ten mobile x-ray units were delivered to front-line areas to support
operational activity and improve detection capabilities. These specially designed and
constructed mobile x-ray units provide officers with access to updated technology
that can be deployed flexibly in a range of operational settings. Additionally, within
container examination facilities (CEFs) at major Australian shipping ports, a number
of major upgrades were made to the x-ray units to improve detection capability.
21

The Customs and Border Protection Detector Dog Program contributed to the
detection of more than 1,050 imports of illicit drugs with a total weight of over
315kg. The most significant detection during the period was 216kg of drugs (98kg of
heroin and 118kg of pseudoephedrine) concealed in a shipping container at the
Sydney CEF.

Customs and Border Protection combined the two community participation
initiatives; Frontline and Hotline, into a single outward-facing program, Customs
Watch. Customs Watch encourages industry and the Australian community to work
together to protect Australia’s border by reporting suspicious activities. The program
has had great success due to the support of industry and the public, and has led to
the detection of hundreds of kilograms of illicit drugs and precursors, illegal weapons
and other prohibited items that endanger community safety. Approximately 5 per
cent of all detections made by Customs and Border Protection can be attributed to
positive referrals made to Customs Watch by industry and the Australian community.

A Task Force Vulnerabilities Report was delivered under the auspice of Operation
Polaris, a joint-agency taskforce focused on the waterfront to combat serious and
organised crime. The report identified a number of vulnerabilities and consequently
Customs and Border Protection implemented a number of measures to immediately
increase operational security, including the implementation of changes to the
Integrated Cargo System to strengthen access control and auditing. Customs and
Border Protection will continue work to implement a broad package of measures to
address vulnerabilities identified.

A new control was introduced now under Regulation 4I of the Customs (Prohibited
Imports) Regulations 1956 to prevent the importation of ice pipes (the Minister or
authorised person may grant permission in strictly limited circumstances not
including for personal use).

As part of Australia’s focus on closer engagement with its Asia-Pacific neighbours,
Customs and Border Protection has been working to strengthen links with law
enforcement and border management agencies across Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the
Maldives. In April and May 2012, illicit drugs and precursor chemicals awareness
sessions were delivered in Indonesia and Sri Lanka respectively, with a view to work
collaboratively in improving regional border management processes, strengthen
interagency cooperation and enhance screening and detection capabilities.

With regards to tablet presses, and their role in the manufacture of illicit drugs:
o A total of 26 permit applications for 53 tablet press machines were processed.
Of these, 21 applications of 43 machines were approved, two applications
were refused on the basis the importer was unable to demonstrate credible
purposes for importation, two applications were withdrawn and one is still
being processed.
o Of the investigation matters finalised during the period where unlawful tablet
press importations are the primary offence, three cases proceeded to court
and were successfully prosecuted resulting in court imposed payments (fines
and legal costs) totalling $54 872.
22
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Operations
The AFP continues to utilise its strong relationships with domestic partner agencies such as
the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Australian Crime Commission,
State & Territory police, and International partners, to ensure successful outcomes in
targeting transnational criminal groups trafficking illicit drugs to Australia.
Key investigations in the reporting period included:

Operation Paradigm, which resulted in the seizure of approximately 271 kilograms of
cocaine, with a street value of approximately $172million. This is the fifth largest seizure
of cocaine in Australian history. Three men have been arrested and charged.

Operation Zanella–Avalon, which resulted in the seizure of 300 kilograms of cocaine
worth $78million from a yacht in Queensland, the seizure of $3.9million in cash and the
arrest of four people.

Operation Polaris–Whitesea, which resulted in the seizure of 11 tonnes of
hypophosphorous acid (a precursor chemical used for the domestic manufacture of
methylamphetamine).

Operation Manzanita, a joint investigation with the Australian Customs and Border
Protection Service, where the AFP seized 104 kilograms of heroin and 117 kilograms of
pseudoephedrine, resulting in the arrest and charge of one male.

Operation Castleford, which resulted in the arrest of five people for the importation of
20 kilograms of border-controlled drugs (MDMA, methamphetamine and cocaine).The
men had attempted to import the drugs into Australia from Canada, concealed within a
commercial oven steel trolley frame.

Operation Copia, which saw the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
examine and detect a large quantity of methamphetamine concealed within a grapple
originating from Canada. Subsequent examination by the AFP revealed an estimated 24
kilograms of cocaine and 27 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed within the
grapple. Five people have been arrested and charged.

Operation Shrike, which resulted in the arrest of two men in connection with the
importation of 71.3 kilograms of liquid heroin (12.4 kilograms pure heroin) concealed
within five parcels of hair dye from Cambodia.

Operation Treble, which resulted in the seizure of 20 kilograms of heroin worth
$4.57million. Four people have been arrested.

Operation Aspic, which targeted the importation of cocaine on-board P&O Cruise Ship
‘Aurora’. This resulted in seizure of 29.3 kilograms of cocaine (19 kilograms pure), and
the arrest and charging of a British tourist.
23

Operation Kenora, which targeted the importation of heroin into Australia from
Vietnam. Seizure of approximately 8 kilograms of heroin concealed in the walls of two
wooden crates led to the arrest and charging of three men.

Operation Glade was a three-month targeted joint investigation by the AFP and
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service into drug importation via the postal
system. During a national day of action in May 2012:
o Over 120 kilograms of illicit substances were seized;
o 47 search warrants were executed across the country;
o 37 people were arrested in relation to drug and firearm offences.

Operation Zanella-Whiffler, which resulted in the seizure of 110 kilograms of
methamphetamine in Japan. Six people have been arrested.

Operation Ashby, which saw the arrest and charging of five men in Australia and New
Zealand for conspiring to import approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine into Australia.
To date, approximately $443,634 have been restrained under proceeds of crime
provisions.

Operation Echter, which resulted in the seizure of 250 kilograms of precursor chemicals
in China, allegedly destined for Melbourne.

Operation Vidua, a multi-agency investigation into drug importation, drug trafficking and
money laundering led to the restraint of approximately $6million in assets.
The AFP collaborates with a number of international law enforcement partners to
successfully deter, disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal syndicates targeting
Australia for importations of illicit drugs. The following operational outcomes demonstrate
the results regularly achieved by the AFP through engagement with international partner
agencies via the International Network:
The Netherlands – Operation Fotino: During 2011–12 the AFP’s Hague Post worked with the
Dutch National Police Agency (KLPD) on Operation Fotino, a KLPD investigation which
resulted in the arrest of 19 people in Europe and the disruption and dismantling of a large,
sophisticated transnational crime syndicate. Through the collaboration of the AFP, KLPD and
the German Federal Police, law enforcement has been able to identify the methods used by
this syndicate to ship multi-hundred kilogram consignments of illicit drugs globally over the
last decade.
New Caledonia and the United States of America – Operation Saba was a joint AFP and
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service operation which began in March 2012
following information from United States authorities about a vessel suspected of carrying a
large quantity of cocaine destined for Australia. The AFP’s Port Vila Post worked with partner
international law enforcement agencies to detect the vessel, which was located in waters
north-west of New Caledonia. The AFP provided information to New Caledonian authorities,
who boarded the vessel, seized approximately 200 kilograms of cocaine and arrested the
24
three crew members.
China – Operation Hitch: Operation Hitch saw the National Narcotics Control Commission
(NNCC) of the People’s Republic of China and the AFP join forces for the first time to
dismantle an alleged transnational drug importation syndicate. As a result of this longrunning joint investigation, authorities in Australia and China seized a combined total of 3.35
tonnes of safrole oil, with a pure weight of 331 kilograms, which is capable of producing
approximately 274 kilograms of pure MDMA. In addition, this joint operation led to the
arrest of six people in China and two in Australia.
The operation began in Sydney in April 2011 when Australian Customs and Border Protection
Service officers detected three consignments of safrole oil hidden in a shipment of shampoo
bottles. In September 2011 the AFP charged three men in relation to this importation; these
matters are before the courts. The AFP then referred the matter to the NNCC, which
continued investigations in China. Throughout the investigation, the AFP worked closely with
the NNCC to coordinate significant resources and cooperation. In March and April 2012 the
NNCC arrested six people across a number of Chinese provinces, including Guangdong,
Guangxi and Henan, with authorities seizing a further 500 kilograms of safrole oil. This
complex transnational investigation is the first instance of AFP cooperation with the NNCC in
Guangxi and Henan provinces.
AFP Drug Harm Index
The AFP Drug Harm Index (DHI) measures the overall economic value to the Australian
community of the harm avoided by seizures of illicit drugs at the border. The Index
represents the dollar value of harm if the drugs had reached the community. In addition,
there may be further positive impacts from deterrent effects, implications of dismantling
syndicates prior to actual importations/seizures or reductions in the capacity and capabilities
of drug-importing criminal syndicates that may flow from AFP investigations.
The DHI value for 2011-12 was $5.1 billion. This is over four times the DHI value of $1.2
billion in 2010-2011, with the associated Estimated Financial Return trebling to $871million.
The increase reflects the larger number and greater weight of drugs seized in most major
drug classes, and in particular precursors, during 2011-2012.
Precursor Chemical Control
The National Precursor Control Framework provides an agreed process to assess the risk
posed by individual precursors and introduce national controls to mitigate identified risks.
The Precursor Advisory Group (PAG), established to support the decision making process, is
responsible for the overall coordination and includes technical experts from Commonwealth
and State and Territory governments as well as drawing advice from various industry
representatives. The PAG direct the National Drug Precursor Risk Assessment Capability
(NDPRAC) to carry out risk assessments on chemicals which may be used in the production of
illicit drugs. The Australian Illicit Drug Data Centre, which is a unit of the Australian Federal
Police, performs the functions of NDPRAC and is currently conducting risk assessments on
the initial batch of chemicals which have been prioritised by the PAG.
New Psychoactive Substances
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are increasingly being marketed as alternatives to
25
internationally controlled drugs. This market is evolving rapidly, both in scope and in the
substances involved, aided by advances in manufacturing and by the distribution and
marketing opportunities provided by the internet.
The IGCD requested the Attorney-General’s Department to prepare a discussion paper on
the issue. A paper outlining principles for a coordinated response to NPS has been
presented and the Attorney-General’s Department is currently leading work on the
development of a detailed response paper for consideration by the Illicit Drugs Standing
Committee.
3.2.2 Control and manage the supply of alcohol, tobacco and other legal drugs
Product Regulation
The Australian Government commissioned four evidence based projects to inform the
development of policy and regulatory options regarding tobacco related products including:
 an examination of the scientific, technical, practical feasibility and public health value of
regulating the disclosure of tobacco product ingredients and emissions data;
 an examination of the available research to better understand the importance of
ingredients and other product features that increase palatability of tobacco products and
influence smoking behaviour, particularly uptake;
 a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) to explore options for further regulation of
electronic nicotine delivery systems and smokeless tobacco products; and
 a RIS on options for further implementation of Articles 9 and 10 of the World Health
Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Articles 9 and
10 relate to the regulation of disclosure of tobacco product contents and the regulation
of tobacco product contents, respectively.
It is expected that these projects took completed by the end of 2012.
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
Customs and Border Protection also continues to intercept illicit tobacco and cigarettes at
the border, ensuring only legitimate products on which duty has been paid are available for
consumption. The key risk focus during 2011-12 remained with tobacco and cigarette
smuggling through the sea cargo stream. In 2011-12 there were 46 detections in sea cargo
equating to 175 tonnes of tobacco and 122 million cigarettes seized this period, with a total
duty evasion of $128 million.
Customs and Border Protection continued to work with other law enforcement agencies to
identify opportunities to prosecute and disrupt parties involved in tobacco smuggling. In
2011–12, Customs and Border Protection was involved in several joint operations of this
kind. The most significant of these was Operation Polaris, a whole-of-government response
targeting serious and organised criminal activity at Sydney’s waterfront. In September 2011,
the operation resulted in two men being charged with importation and bribery offences
following the seizure of more than 60 tonnes of illicit tobacco and nearly $450,000 in cash
26
3.3
Harm Reduction
3.3.1 Reduce harms to community safety and amenity
Closing the gap in Indigenous health and tobacco smoking
The Government is committed to closing the gap in Indigenous health and tobacco smoking
as a high priority. Tobacco smoking is responsible for one-fifth of the deaths of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people and almost half of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people smoke.
The Government is delivering significant initiatives to reduce smoking rates in Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities. Under the Councils of Australian Government (COAG)
National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes, the
Australian Government committed $805.5 million over four years from 2009-10 for an
Indigenous Chronic Disease Package. This package includes a $100.6 million over four years
for a significant Tackling Smoking measure. This includes the rollout of Regional Tackling
Smoking and Healthy Lifestyle Teams across 57 regions nationally, enhancements to
Quitlines, training for health and community workers and the development of role models
and champions. The Tackling Smoking workforce is working with communities to develop
regional and local approaches to reducing smoking rates, including social marketing
campaigns and community events and health information sessions to promote quitting
among smokers and prevent the uptake of smoking among young people. Dr Tom Calma,
former Social Justice Commissioner has been engaged as the National Coordinator - Tackling
Indigenous Smoking, to lead the Tackling Smoking measure.
Regional Tackling Smoking and Healthy Lifestyle teams are being rolled out across 57 regions
across Australia. The workforce is being employed through Aboriginal community controlled
health organisations or other organisations serving Indigenous communities. Each region
receives funding for one Regional Tobacco Coordinator, up to three Tobacco Action Workers
and two Healthy Lifestyle Workers. In 2011-12, 37 regions plus the ACT received funding for
a team, with the final 20 regions due to come on board in 2012-13. A total of 175 health
promotion worker positions will be funded under the program to work with communities to
develop anti-smoking programs.
In a separate $37.5 million companion measure under the National Partnership, two Healthy
Lifestyle Workers will be employed in each of the same 57 regions, in teams with tobacco
workers, to help improve lifestyles, targeting nutrition and physical activity in Indigenous
communities.
In March 2008, the Government launched the $14.5 million Indigenous Tobacco Control
Initiative. A total of 18 organisations around Australia trialled innovative approaches to
smoking prevention and cessation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
This initiative concluded on 30 June 2012. Evaluations of these projects will further build the
evidence base for the Tackling Smoking measure of the COAG Indigenous Health National
Partnership Agreement. A promising range of resources has already been produced.
27
3.3.2 Reduce harms to families
The Labelling Logic Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy 2011
In 2009, the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council announced the
review of Food Labelling Law and Policy. The Review was jointly funded by the Australian
Government and all the Australian States and Territories, while the New Zealand
consultations were supported by the New Zealand Government.
Government received the review report, Labelling Logic Review of Food Labelling Law and
Policy 2011 (the Review) in January 2011. The report contained 61 recommendations, five
of which are specific alcohol recommendations. A response to the Review
recommendations was agreed by the Legislative and Governance Forum on Food Regulation
(FoFR), at its meeting on 9 December 2011. This response was developed in consultation
with government agencies, state and territory governments, industry and public health
advocates.
The alcohol industry has been given two years to adopt voluntary initiatives to place
pregnancy warnings on labels of alcohol products before regulating for this change. The
introduction by the alcohol industry of warning labels of the risk of consuming alcohol
including during pregnancy is an important development in relation to raising community
awareness. Regulation will follow established standards development procedures and will
include extensive public consultation. The Department of Health and Ageing and Food
Standards Australia New Zealand is working with alcohol industry to progress the voluntary
labelling initiative in both Australia and New Zealand.
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
The Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Australian: An Update (FASD Monograph)
In November 2009, a working party of Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs (IGCD)
prepared a comprehensive report ‘Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Australia: an update’.
The Monograph covers research, policy and practice regarding FASD in Australia.
In July 2012, the ICGD was advised that the 2009 FASD Monograph had been approved by
Health Ministers and was publically released on the National Drug Strategy website at
www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au.
The Department of Health and Ageing (the Department) provided $63,518 (GST excl) in
2011-12 to the University of Sydney to update the FASD Monograph. The 2012 FASD
Monograph is being progressed through the relevant IGCD committee structure for approval
to release the updated Monograph in 2013.
House of Representatives Inquiry into FASD
On 9 November 2011, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy
and Legal Affairs announced an Inquiry into FASD following a joint referral from Ministers
Macklin and Roxon.
28
The Department of Health and Ageing and the Department of Families, Housing, Community
Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) submitted a joint submission to the Inquiry and
presented to the Committee on 28 June 2012.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee is expected to release its report in
November 2012.
National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Related Disorders (NOFASARD)
Funding of $765,225 (GST excl) over three years (2012-13 to 2014-15) will be provided to
NOFASARD to expand their work as the peak body supporting people affected by FASD, their
families and carers. Over the project period, NOFASARD will deliver evidence-based
information and training to service providers, parents and carers, as well as contribute to
building the FASD evidence base.
National Drug Research Institute (NDRI)
The Department is funding NDRI $698,956 (GST excl) over two financial years (2009-2011) to
develop culturally appropriate communication resources for health professionals and
alcohol and drug workers.
At the request of NDRI, an extension of time for an additional 12 months has been granted
by the Department to enable completion of this work.
Marulu: Lililwan Project
The Marulu:Lililwan project is co-funded by the Department of Health and Ageing ($831,855
(GST Excl) from 2009-13), FaHCSIA ($877,302 (GST Excl) from 2009-11) and the NHMRC
($751,495 (GST Excl) from 2012 -13).
This community driven project will determine the prevalence of FASD in the Fitzroy Crossing
Valley, WA and facilitate treatment for children diagnosed with FASD. Screening, diagnosis
and management strategies may be transferrable.
The Marulu:Lililwan Project is due in mid 2013.
FASD Diagnostic- Screening Instrument
The Department provided $454,544 (GST excl) from 2009-10 to 2010-11 for the Telethon
Institute for Child Health Research (on behalf of the University of Sydney and the Australian
FASD Collaboration) to develop a nationally applicable, evidence based screening and
diagnostic instrument to assist clinicians and health care workers in diagnosing babies and
children affected by FASD.
The Draft Final Report, which remains under consideration by the Department, recommends
a nationally applicable, evidence based instrument for use in Australia for the diagnosis of
FASD and also recommends that further research be undertaken to establish the validity and
clinical applicability of the instrument.
29
FASD Data Scoping Study
The Department provided $212,082 (GST excl) from 2010-11 to 2011-12 to the Australian
Institute of Health and Welfare to undertake a scoping study to improve data collection and
reporting on FASD.
The FASD Data Scoping Study will identify FASD data collections which are currently
available, and identify ways to facilitate both the collection and reporting of information
related to children with characteristics of FASD, and maternal alcohol consumption.
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4
New South Wales
4.1
Demand Reduction
4.1.1 Prevent uptake and delay onset of drug use
Community Drug Action Teams
The Ministry of Health funds Community Drug Action Teams (CDAT) to identify and respond
to drug and alcohol issues in their communities. The teams are coalitions of people from
government and non-government, welfare organisations, business and religious groups and
community members who identify drug and alcohol related problems and develop
responses. There are 80 CDATs in NSW, who conduct over 150 different community focused
projects every year. CDATs projects include workshops, forums, seminars, skills training and
drug and alcohol free community events.
It Couldn’t Happen to Me
It Couldn’t Happen to Me: A Stage 4 and 5 alcohol education resource has been produced for
school staff with teaching and welfare responsibilities for students in Years 7-10. It has a
literacy focus, is interactive, provides up to date information and research about alcohol and
related issues, research based approaches to alcohol prevention and the delivery of alcohol
education and suggested teaching strategies. The resource was trialed by almost 1,000
students in 16 secondary schools across 10 Regions in NSW in Term 2 of 2012 and externally
evaluated.
Turning 18
Turning 18, the centerpiece of the Public Schools, NSW End of Year Celebration strategy, was
distributed to over 37,000 Year 12 school leavers in October 2011. Its associated parent
pamphlet, Alcohol: Celebrations and supply was distributed to parents of Year 12 school
leavers to provide practical suggestions for hosting celebrations.
Public Schools NSW
Drug education resource materials have been developed specifically for students in
Education and Training Units in Juvenile Justice Centres. The materials include a comic, 3
short films and teaching and learning activities. They have been developed to assist students
to reduce harm associated with drug use, motivate positive behaviour change and practise
social, decision making and problem solving skills. The materials will be published and
distributed in 2012.
The resources Young People and Drugs, Keep Left, Alcohol your reality and Keep them
talking were developed to support students at risk of drug related harm from tobacco,
alcohol and/or illicit drugs. Implementation of the resources was supported by a series of 51
professional learning workshops attended by 806 school staff state wide since 2010.
In 2011, 39 new school counsellors participated in Motivational Interview training to build
their capacity to help students at risk of drug and alcohol related harm.
31
Action inquiry strategy
During 2011, after trial and evaluation in 2010, the action inquiry strategy, Actions Questions
Answers, was implemented to support schools in preventing harmful drug and alcohol use
and improve learning outcomes for students. An additional 19 communities of schools have
undertaken training to build their capacity to carry out action inquiry for drug prevention.
Teacher training
Professional learning was facilitated for teachers to support the implementation of whole
school drug prevention strategies in primary and secondary school settings. In 2012, 19
workshops were attended by 230 teachers across the State.
Counselling in schools
The Ted Noffs Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselling in Schools program continued in 18 high
schools in Sydney and the Central Coast to help students at risk of drug and alcohol related
harm. In 2011/2012, 359 new students attended individual or group sessions.
School Liaison Police
The School Liaison Police attend high schools in NSW providing information and advice in a
number of areas aimed at reducing crime, violence and anti-social behaviour. Drug and
alcohol awareness is one of the crime prevention topics presented by School Liaison Police.
80 Youth Liaison Officers continue to provide input into primary schools and assist School
Liaison Police in secondary schools.
The Critics’ Choice
The Critics’ Choice is a national initiative coordinated annually by the Australian Network on
Young People and Tobacco (ANYPAT) encouraging young people to consider the benefits of
not smoking and to be advocates against smoking. The Department of Education and
Communities coordinates the initiative in NSW with over 5,000 students participating in
2011.
TAFE NSW
A two day professional development program was delivered to over 90 TAFE NSW
counsellors on alcohol and other drugs and mental health issues as well as new ways of
working with young people to address these issues.
In 2012, TAFE NSW collaborated with the Building Trades Group Drug and Alcohol Program
to provide awareness sessions on alcohol and other drugs and workplace safety to
apprentices in the building and construction industries across the State.
4.1.2 Reduce use of drugs in the community
Reducing tobacco use
The NSW Tobacco Strategy 2012-2017 was released in February 2012 and sets out the
actions that the NSW Government and other stakeholders will take to reduce the use of
32
tobacco and the harm which tobacco imposes on the community. The NSW Tobacco Strategy
2012-2017 is committed to the smoking reduction targets in the National Partnership
Agreement on Preventative Health and has a strong focus on smoking in populations with
high smoking rates, such as Aboriginal communities, women smoking in pregnancy and
mental health consumers. The objectives and priority areas in the NSW Tobacco Strategy
2012-2017 align strongly with the National Tobacco Strategy 2012-2018.
Reducing tobacco use by young people
In 2011/12, monitoring and enforcement of compliance with tobacco legislation continued
under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 and the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 to
reduce young people’s uptake of smoking and decrease exposure to second-hand tobacco
smoke. Around 900 sales to minors controlled purchase operations took place in 2011/12.
Getting It Together Scheme
Through the Getting It Together Scheme, the Department of Family and Community Services
continues to provide support to young people with drug and/or alcohol problems who are
not accessing conventional services. In 2011/12, 15 Getting It Together services provided
case management and support to approximately 1,692 vulnerable young people, 818 (48%)
of whom were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and 108 (6%) of whom were from
culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Services include access to training and
employment opportunities, accommodation, transport, and essentials such as food, clothes
and toiletries.
TAFE - national qualifications
TAFE NSW continued to provide national qualifications in alcohol and other drugs, mental
health, and comorbidity to assist workers who provide a range of services and interventions
to clients with alcohol and other drugs issues. In 2012, TAFE NSW provided grants to 18 rural
and regional colleges to deliver training to frontline workers on responding to clients with
alcohol and other drug and/or mental health issues. The training is to be completed by
December 2012.
NSW Drug and Alcohol Telephone Lines
There are three telephone services in NSW:
The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) provides a confidential 24 hours, 7 days a
week telephone information, education, crisis counselling and referral service.
NSW Drug and Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service (DASAS) is a free telephone service for
doctors, nurses, and other health professionals to provide advice on the diagnosis and
management of patients.
Family Drug Support (FDS) operates a 24-7 1300 Helpline that provides a range of support
services to users, families and carers in crisis due to alcohol and other drug use.
Early Intervention Pilot Program (EIPP)
Your Choice is a diversionary initiative funded by the Commonwealth under the Early
Intervention Pilot Program (EIPP) targeting underage persons found possessing or
33
consuming alcohol in public places. In lieu of receiving an infringement notice, the young
offender is offered the opportunity of attending a two hour face-to-face seminar with their
parents/guardians to learn about the health, social and legal consequences of underage
drinking. Under EIPP, the NSW Police Force has been able to continue the trial of the Your
Choice program in 16 Local Area Commands (LACs) and to extend the program to an
additional three LACs. There were in excess of 360 young people referred to the Your Choice
program across the 19 trial LACs in 2011-12. In addition, a web-based intervention can be
accessed at your choice online website.
Rural Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counsellors
Rural AOD Counsellors provide treatment services to substance-using young people (aged
12-18 years) in the juvenile justice system in rural and remote areas of NSW. For the 2011-12
financial year, AOD Counsellors provided services to 293 clients.
The Cannabis Cautioning Scheme
The Cannabis Cautioning Scheme provides formal cautioning of adult offenders detected for
minor cannabis offences and uses police intervention to assist offenders to consider the
legal and health consequences of their cannabis use and seek treatment and support
through the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS). A maximum of two cautions can
be issued under the scheme. In the 2011/12 year, 5,167 cannabis cautions were issued by
police in NSW (90% were first cautions). The NSW Police Force produced a cannabis
cautioning pamphlet for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community as part of the
NSW Police Force ‘Keep Our Mob Out of Custody’ campaign.
In addition, a trial project was undertaken involving proactive follow up of second caution
recipients whereby they were phoned and encouraged to contact ADIS. This resulted in an
almost three-fold increase in expiation rates.
Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT)
The MERIT program is available at 65 Local Courts across NSW and is designed for offenders
who are eligible for bail and who show potential for treatment and rehabilitation. The
program aims to intervene in the substance use and offending behaviour cycle by enabling
eligible offenders to undertake an assessment and participate in treatment. Alcohol MERIT is
being trialled at selected Local Courts and is currently being evaluated. In 2011/12, 1,948
offenders entered the MERIT program with 936 completing all program requirements.
Cumulative statistics to 30 June 2012 indicate that over 11,000 individuals have successfully
completed the MERIT Program since it commenced.
Adult Drug Court
The Adult Drug Court aims to divert drug-dependent offenders into a supervised treatment
program designed to reduce or eliminate their drug dependence. In order to achieve its aim,
the Drug Court incorporates a combination of close supervision and therapeutic treatment.
The Drug Court currently operates in Parramatta and the Hunter Region. During 2011-12,
work commenced to open a third Drug Court to serve Eastern Sydney. It is anticipated this
court will open in early 2013.
Reducing misuse of pharmaceuticals
The NSW Ministry of Health has strategies in place to respond to pharmaceutical misuse,
including:
34

Training programs for prescribers to deal with pressure from clients to
inappropriately prescribe these substances;

Implementation of the NSW Health Pain Management Plan to ease the burden of
chronic pain and avoid misuse;

Increasing availability of access to the Opioid Treatment Program to reduce illicit
misuse of pharmaceuticals;

Introduction of tamper evidence packaging;

Investigating cases of inappropriate prescribing by doctors.
In addition, the NSW Police Force has raised awareness of the illegal market in
pharmaceuticals by presenting on a range of issues at forums and meetings attended by the
health sector, including trends in the types of pharmaceuticals detected by police, case
studies of prescription shopping and health-related harms, such as overdoses. In 2011-12,
NSW Police Force also developed resources for police to highlight awareness of relevant
legislation to enhance the police response to this issue.
4.1.3 Support people to recover from dependence and reconnect with the
community
NSW NGO Treatment Program
The NSW Ministry of Health continued to fund over 80 non-government organisations to
provide a range of drug and alcohol prevention, early intervention and treatment services
across NSW. These include residential rehabilitation, withdrawal management, outreach and
aftercare, community based day programs, drug and alcohol education and health
promotion, telephone support and referral services, and group and family support services.
In 2011/12 total funding to the Drug & Alcohol NGO sector was $31.5 million. In addition,
funding is provided to the Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies (NADA), the peak
organisation for Drug & Alcohol NGOs. NADA advocates on behalf of the sector, provides
workforce development and agency capacity building services to NGOs, and advice to
government on drug and alcohol policy.
Expanded NGO Drug & Alcohol services
In 2011, the Government committed to providing an additional $10M over four years ($2.5M
pa) to expand drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation services with this to be
delivered by the NGO sector. Twelve NGOs have since been announced to deliver a range of
services including drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation, outreach and aftercare,
community based day programs and multidisciplinary case management/coordination. A
particular focus is the provision of support for individuals released from prison.
In 2011/12 the overall NSW Ministry of Health Drug and Alcohol budget is $161 million,
representing an 8% increase on the 2010/11 budget.
The NSW Opioid Treatment Program
35
The NSW program provides medical management incorporating opioid substitution
pharmacotherapy (methadone, buprenorphine, buprenorphine-naloxone), detoxification
and withdrawal management, case management and coordinated care and range of allied
health services. As at 30 June 2012 there were over 19,000 individuals in the program with
1,888 individuals released from prison on this treatment and connected to post release care
arrangements. The NSW Government also committed an additional $3.4 million pa to
enhance services including provision of coordinated care matched to individual needs.
Involuntary Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program
After evaluation of a pilot at Nepean Hospital during 2009/10, the NSW Involuntary Drug and
Alcohol Treatment program has now been expanded to provide short-term involuntary
treatment of persons with severe substance dependence on a state-wide basis. Services are
provided at Bloomfield Hospital in rural NSW and Royal North Shore Hospital in the Sydney
metropolitan area.
Youth Treatment Services
Nepean Hospital provides specialist treatment for young people aged 12 to 20 years
presenting with drug and alcohol problems. This is a state-wide service based in Western
Sydney and provides young people with access to a broad range of strategies from
prevention and early intervention to inpatient and long-term care. Services provided include
clinical assessment, specialist adolescent drug and alcohol medical services, inpatient and
outpatient detoxification treatment, opioid substitution treatment, psychology and
counselling interventions and assertive case management.
Specialist Treatment Clinics
The NSW Ministry of Health’s Stimulant Treatment Clinics continue to offer outpatient
services to people 16 years and older seeking to stop or reduce their stimulant use. In
2011/12, 296 clients received an assessment and brief intervention, 215 of these entering
into treatment. The six specialist Cannabis Clinics in rural and metropolitan areas also
continued to treat cannabis users. The clinics aim to reduce the health, social and legal
problems and risk of harm associated with cannabis use and assist people using cannabis
who want to become abstinent.
Adolescent Residential Rehabilitation Units
Juvenile Justice funds Mission Australia to operate three residentially based drug
rehabilitation programs for young people who are either clients of Juvenile Justice, or at risk
of entering the juvenile justice system as a result of their drug and alcohol misuse. Juvenile
Justice also funds an outreach position in the Ted Noffs Program for Adolescent Life
Management (PALM) at Randwick, which works with young people with serious alcohol or
other drug related difficulties.
Community Integration Teams - Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network
The aim of Community Integration Teams is to coordinate integrated, ongoing care for
young people with drug and alcohol and/or mental health concerns leaving custody to aid
36
successful reintegration into community care. These teams consist of clinical nurse
consultants, Aboriginal mental health workers or allied health clinicians who advocate on
behalf of the young person and their families to access health services in the community.
The teams are operational at 12 sites across NSW. During 2011/12, 437 young people with
drug and alcohol related problems were referred to them. Of these, 381 were accepted as
part of the program.
Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Centre
The Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Centre, which is unique in Australia, continued
to provide drug treatment and rehabilitation for repeat drug-related offenders under the
supervision of the NSW Drug Court. As at 30 June 2012, 200 offenders had entered the
program.
Drug Treatment Programs for Offenders in Custody and in the Community
Implementation of evidence-based drug treatment programs continued. During 2011/12 a
total of 3,747 individual offenders in correctional centres attended 39,272 sessions of group
programs. While the number of individual participants decreased by 12% compared with
the previous year, the number of sessions increased by 18% indicating increased intensity of
treatment. In Community Offender Services 1,919 individual offenders attended 11,540
sessions of group programs. The number of offenders engaged in AOD programs in the
community increased by 25% compared with the previous year.
D&A Interventions In Custody - Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network
Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network assessed 100% of all new receptions into
NSW correctional centres for risk of withdrawal from drugs and alcohol. In 2011/12, there
were 23,717 patients assessed on entry for risk of D&A withdrawal. Of these patients, there
were:

6,935 identified as having D&A health concerns on entry to the custodial system;

5,910 patients that were provided with detox services in an ambulatory setting;

252 detox patients requiring admission to observation beds in the correctional
system;
There were 1,888 patients released from custody on an OST program and 560 patients
provided with intensive post release support via the Connections program in 2011/12.
Intensive Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program - Corrections
The Intensive Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program is a new initiative which commenced
operation in February 2012. Stage 2 commenced in July 2012, and there will be further
development until it reaches its full capacity of 250 males and 50 females in 2015. The
program comprises three phases – Orientation and Assessment, Treatment, and
Maintenance and Throughcare. The Pathways Program and Getting SMART are the core
interventions in the treatment phase: The program also includes individual case
37
management, pre release planning and support, contingency management, work, education
and training, life skills and recreation activities.
Pathways (Criminal Conduct and Substance Abuse Treatment Program)
This is an intensive program for high-risk offenders with serious alcohol and drug problems.
The number of participants increased this year from 73 individual offenders to 119 (63%).
Session attendances more than doubled from 1,349 to 3,101.
Getting SMART (Self Management and Recovery Training)
This program targets offenders with any addictive behaviour including drugs, alcohol, and
gambling and with cognitive impairments. In total, Corrective Services NSW facilitated
24,473 sessions with 2,847 offenders during the reporting period.
SMART Recovery
The SMART Recovery Maintenance Program is provided to individuals in correctional centres
in NSW following participation in the Getting SMART or Pathways treatment programs.
There was an overall increase in individual participation from 480 to 627 (31%) and also a
significant increase in the number of sessions attended up from 2,035 in 10/11 to 3,365
(65%). A partnership between the Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre,
Corrective Services NSW, SMART Recovery Australia, and the Vietnamese Drug and Alcohol
Professionals Association successfully translated the SMART Recovery program into
Vietnamese during 2011/2012.
Community-based residential centres for women
Corrective Services NSW administers two community- based residential centres which divert
female offenders with co-existing mental health and drug/alcohol issues from custody or
further custody. Biyani in Parramatta and Miruma in Cessnock have collectively provided
quality supported accommodation and associated services to 77 women during 2011/12.
Coexisting Disorders Project
Corrective Services NSW Coexisting Disorders Project aims to improve the interagency case
management of medium to high risk offenders with a dual diagnosis. A final evaluation has
been completed showing that between 2007-2011, 2,909 supervised offenders were
recorded as project participants. The evaluation showed a statistically significant lower
recidivism rate at 6 and 12 months. The project runs in five locations (Sydney, Bathurst,
Gosford, Newcastle and Nowra) with each site establishing multiagency case management
meetings and developing networks to improve linkages between relevant services.
Quit for New Life Program
The Quit for new life program has been established to support pregnant Aboriginal women
to quit smoking. A range of smoking cessation support strategies will also be extended to
family members, including the provision of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
38
Reducing the Use and Harms of Tobacco in the Correctional system

National Summit on Smoking in prisons - the Justice Health and Forensic Mental
Health Network played an integral part in the organisation of the National Summit on
Smoking in prisons and participated in the summit alongside colleagues from CSNSW
and inmate representatives.

Clean Air Buildings Project Lithgow Correctional Centre - this project has
implemented a ban on smoking inside buildings or cells. In line with the National
Partnership Agreement on Preventative Health the project will also focus on
supporting staff and inmates to quit smoking and identify opportunities to improve
the health related lifestyles of inmates and reduce lifestyle related chronic disease.

Management of Nicotine Dependence/Smoking Cessation - in recognition of the high
rates of smoking amongst our patient population and the potential harmful effects
and impacts on chronic disease and environmental tobacco smoke, guidelines have
been launched for the clinical management of nicotine dependence with improved
access to Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
4.1.4 Support efforts to promote social inclusion and resilient individuals,
families and communities
NSW Mental Health Commission
In March 2011, the NSW Government committed to establish a NSW Mental Health
Commission to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of the people of NSW and improve
the mental health system including the experience of care for individuals and their carers.
Under the NSW Mental Health Commission Act 2012, the Commission in exercising its
functions must take into account co-morbidity issues including drug and alcohol.
NSW 2021
Under NSW2021 – A Plan to Make NSW Number One, the NSW Government has committed
to better protect the most vulnerable members of the community and break the cycle of
disadvantage. This includes giving children the best possible start to life, helping vulnerable
young people and their families build resilience and plan for the future, ensuring that people
who are at risk of becoming homeless are well supported, and that those who do become
homeless spend as little time as possible without accommodation. In addition, across
government social inclusion frameworks are in place to achieve these objectives including:

NSW Government’s Homelessness Action Plan 2009-2014 - address homelessness
through specific strategies and targets which focus on: early intervention and
prevention; improving and expanding services; and breaking the cycle of
homelessness.

NSW Suicide Prevention Strategy 2010-2015 - a coordinated action plan for suicide
prevention and a Ministerial Advisory Committee on Suicide Prevention has been
established.
39

Stronger Together2 - to expand services to people with a disability and their families.

The Community Builders funding program aims to strengthen communities across
NSW, particularly disadvantaged groups, through funding of strategic and locally
based fixed-term projects and renewable services.
4.2
Supply Reduction
4.2.1 Reduce the supply of illegal drugs (both current and emerging)
Seizures by NSW Police Force
In 2011/2012, significant seizures by NSW Police Force from individual operations included
3,321 cannabis plants, 66 kilograms of methylamphetamine, 28 kilograms of MDMA, 6
kilograms of cocaine and 20 kilograms of heroin. In addition, 340 hydroponic cannabis
houses and 90 clandestine drug laboratory sites were detected. NSW Police Force laid 46
charges for the enhanced indoor cultivation of cannabis crops and 16 charges for exposing a
child to this cultivation process.
NSW Police Force laid 55 charges for possession of precursors intended for use in the
manufacture of illegal drugs and continues to work collaboratively with industry to minimise
the diversion of these precursors. A single investigation into the importation of
pseudoephedrine and other drugs resulted in the seizure of approximately 540kg of
pseudoephedrine (estimated to be enough to make methylamphetamine or ‘ice’ with a
street value of about $150 million). Also seized was 66kg of ice valued at more than $40
million and 13kg of heroin with a street value of more than $7.5 million.
In 2011/2012, the NSW Police Force Drug Squad (Chemical Operations) continued its strong
collaboration with Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to curtail the
importation of precursors and scientific equipment used in the manufacture of illicit drugs.
Synthetic cannabinoids
New emerging psychoactive substances are a concern to the law enforcement and health
sectors. On 1 July 2011, the NSW Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 was amended to
make seven synthetic cannabinoids illegal in NSW. In addition, NSW Police Force developed
and disseminated information to assist police in determining how to proceed when synthetic
cannabinoids are detected.
Security and Intelligence Unit – Juvenile Centres
The Juvenile Justice Security and Intelligence Unit uses a number of methods to collect,
analyse and share intelligence about detainee drug activity, potential drug trafficking into
Juvenile Justice Centres and associated safety and security issues. NSW is the first Juvenile
Justice jurisdiction in Australia to form its own drug dog detection unit. The unit also coordinates periodic joint contraband detection and prevention operations at Juvenile Justice
Centres involving Juvenile Justice and Police.
Detection of Illicit Drugs in Correctional Settings
40
39 drug dog detector teams continue to assist in the detection of illicit drugs in correctional
settings. From 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012, there were 42,854 searches of inmates, 19,735
searches of cells, 58,902 searches of visitors and property, 3,680 searches of vehicles, and
21,907 searches of other areas. Furthermore, there were 3,454 staff searches.
4.2.2 Control and manage the supply of alcohol, tobacco and other legal drugs
Three strikes and You’re Out regime
A new Three Strikes disciplinary regime for the state’s licensed venues commenced on 1
January 2012. A strike can be incurred if a licensee or approved manager commits a
prescribed serious offence under the Liquor Act 2007, including permitting intoxication or
violence and selling or supplying liquor to a minor. Venues that incur a strike are effectively
on a good behaviour bond for three years as any further convictions for key liquor offences
in that period could lead to second and third strikes being incurred. Remedial measures, in
the form of licence conditions, can be imposed where a strike is incurred. A third strike can
result in the imposition of licence conditions, licence suspension for up to 12 months, licence
cancellation and a moratorium on a new liquor licence being granted for the same business
operators at the venue for up to 12 months, and/or disqualification of a licensee for any
period of time. For registered clubs, a third strike can result in imposition of licence
conditions, disqualification of a club secretary, dismissal of any or all of the club directors,
and/or the appointment of an administrator to manage the club.
From 1 January 2012 until 30 June 2012, eight licensed premises incurred first strikes under
the scheme for the offence of permitting intoxication. No licensed premises incurred a
second strike in that period.
Liquor licence freeze in Sydney Local Government Area
A liquor licence freeze has been in place in three parts of the City of Sydney since 25 June
2009. The main goal of the freeze is to reduce alcohol related violence in three late night
precincts – Kings Cross, Oxford Street Darlinghurst, and CBD South. The freeze was
extended in June 2012 until 24 December 2012.
Responsible Service of Alcohol Workshops
During 2011-12, the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing conducted 68 Responsible Service
of Alcohol on the Front Line Workshops to assist venue supervisors, bar and security staff
understand best practice responsible service strategies.
RSA/RCG Photo Competency Card
Individuals working in the liquor or gaming industries in NSW must be able to demonstrate
competency in the Responsible Service of Alcohol or Responsible Conduct of Gambling. In
August 2011, the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing introduced the photo competency
card that is issued to students who achieve competency in these mandatory training
programs. As at 30 June 2012, over 91,000 competency cards had been issued under the
new scheme.
41
The NSW Police Force Alcohol and Licensing Enforcement Command (ALEC)
ALEC continued to enforce liquor licensing legislation and to target the state’s most violent
licensed premises. To that end, ALEC has concentrated resources on those licensed venues
most at risk through Operational Jindella which focused on premises that had been declared
under Schedule 4 of the Liquor Act 2007.
ALEC has continued to strengthen their partnership with the Office of Liquor, Gaming &
Racing (OLGR) through collaborative enforcement operations targeting Karaoke Bars
throughout the Sydney Metropolitan area, which has been identified as 'high-risk' in terms
of non-adherence to liquor licences, poor responsible service of alcohol practices and the
ensuing alcohol-related crime.
Amended Summary Offences Act 1998
On 30 September 2011 the Summary Offences Act 1988 was amended to create a new
offence under Section 9 of 'continuation of intoxicated and disorderly behaviour following a
move on direction." This new provision is part of a broad suite of strategies employed by
NSW Police Force to maintain public amenity.
Tobacco Control
Under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 retailers are required to notify the NSW Ministry
of Health before commencing tobacco retailing. By the end of 2011/12, more than 13,500
tobacco retailing premises in NSW were registered under the Tobacco Retailer Notification
Scheme. The Scheme provides the NSW Ministry of Health with comprehensive information
on retailing activity to support monitoring and compliance. Around 2,500 inspections of
premises for compliance with legislation were conducted across NSW in 2011/12.
The Tobacco Legislation Amendment Act 2012, introduced by the NSW Government in May
2012, gives effect to the outdoor smoke-free areas provisions proposed in the NSW Tobacco
Strategy. Under the Act, from 7 January 2013, smoking will be banned in the following public
outdoor areas:

within 10m of children’s play equipment,

at swimming pool complexes,

in spectator areas of sports grounds or other recreational areas while organised
sporting events are being held,

at public transport stops and stations, and

within 4m of a pedestrian access point to a public building.
From 6 July 2015, smoking will be banned in commercial outdoor dining areas. In 2012/13,
NSW Government funding for tobacco control is expected to total approximately $18,167
million.
42
4.3
Harm Reduction
Blood Borne Virus Prevention and Injecting Drug Use
The NSW Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) is an evidence-based, cost effective public
health program to reduce the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C among people who inject
drugs and the broader community. In 2011/12 approximately $17.7 million was allocated for
the public and pharmacy Needle and Syringe Program in NSW.
The NSW NSP compromises 972 outlets, including 339 public sector outlets, 457 pharmacies
and 176 dispensing machines. In 2010/11, the NSW NSP dispensed approximately 9.98
million needle and syringes in NSW. For many injecting drug users, the NSP Program is the
primary point of contact they will have with the health system. During 2011 the NSW NSP
made over 16,660 referrals that include 4,060 referrals to Drug and Alcohol Services and 995
referrals to Hepatitis Clinics.
The Medically Supervised Injecting Centre
The Medically Supervised Injecting Centre has continued to deliver against its objectives:

decreasing overdose deaths, all 4,477 overdose incidents to date have been
successfully managed with there still being no overdose deaths occurring on the
premises – this includes 314 overdoses since last October 2011;

providing a gateway to treatment, there have been over 9,800 referrals to treatment,
welfare and other support services since the Centre opened in 2001. This includes
more than 430 referrals since October 2011 which is an encouraging stable trend
over the last two years;

reduce public injecting; and

blood borne disease.
4.3.1 Reduce harms to community safety and amenity
Schedule 4 of the Liquor Act 2007 and Declared Premises
A scheme imposing additional restrictions on violent venues has operated since October
2008 under Schedule 4 of the Liquor Act 2007, and is based on violent incident data
compiled twice yearly by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research. Licensed
premises with high levels of alcohol-related assaults and other violent incidents are
categorised as Level 1, 2 or 3 venues. Additional special licence conditions are imposed on
Level 1 and 2 venues. Level 3 venues are provided with education and support to strengthen
their alcohol and security management, as well as inclusion in the routine risk based
inspection program. Round 7 of the Declared Premises Scheme commenced on 1 June 2012
with seven premises listed as Level 1, and 24 premises listed as Level 2 of the scheme.
43
Liquor Accords
Liquor Accords are formal, voluntary, industry-led groups, working in local communities, to
discuss and identify issues and implement strategies to deal with alcohol-related harm. As at
30 June 2012, there were 148 local liquor accords in NSW. The Office of Liquor, Gaming and
Racing conducted 48 Steps to Success liquor accord workshops for liquor accords throughout
NSW in 2011/12.
Roadside Drug Testing
Roadside drug testing for cannabis, methylamphetamine and MDMA commenced in NSW in
January 2007. In the 2011-12 financial year, 27,819 roadside drug tests were conducted.
The positive test rate for roadside drug testing for the 2011-12 financial year is 1 in every 47
tests, compared with the alcohol breath tests, which is 1 in every 191.
Road Safety Messages
The ‘Paranoia’ drink driving campaign was launched by the Transport for NSW in 2006 and
was used until February 2012. The campaign tapped into the guilt drink drivers’ experienced
and explored their anxiety, restlessness and fear of getting caught. Research showed that
although some drivers felt Random Breath Testing was predictable, they change their driving
style if they have been drinking in an effort to avoid detection. This campaign promoted the
fact that every police car is a mobile “RBT”.
Road Safety Programs
Transport for NSW continues to use a range of means to provide road safety information to
young people. These include a curriculum-based education program for school students,
which aim to help young people assess their attitudes and behaviour in their use of the road.
The NSW School Road Safety Education Program funds the provision of school-based
education delivered by teachers in schools. This ongoing education program is supported by
a range of resources that explore road safety issues such as alcohol and drug use for young
people as drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
NSW Sober Driver
This program is an educational and rehabilitation program targeting repeat drink drivers.
Transport for NSW provides funding to Corrective Services NSW to deliver the program. It is
a nine-week state-wide education and relapse prevention program for repeat drink drive
offenders who are convicted of two or more offences within five years. During 2011/12 a
total of 816 offenders were referred to the program, 646 of whom successfully completed
the program. Since 2002, 8110 offenders have successfully completed the program.
The NSW Alcohol Interlock Program
This program is a sentencing option for drink drivers who have been disqualified for certain
major alcohol-related offences. It is a voluntary program which provides drivers the
opportunity to apply for an interlock driver licence following a reduced period of
disqualification. In 2011-2012, 743 offenders participated in the program.
44
Breath Tests on the Waterways
The Marine Safety Amendment (Random Breath Testing) Act 2005 which allows for the
random breath testing of boat users commenced in May 2005. In the 2011-12 financial year,
12,366 random breath tests were conducted. This number represents the most tests that
have ever been conducted in the marine environment in any financial year.
Drugs in Sport
This project is a collaboration of Sport and Recreation, State Sporting Organisations,
Regional Academies of Sport and schools. It aims to educate the sporting community about
drug issues. In 2011-12, Drugs in Sport presentations were delivered to 26 sporting
organisations and 17 schools, with a total audience of 1646 participants including 1138
athletes, coaches and officials, and 508 students and teachers.
Goodsports Program
Transport for NSW provides funding of $550,000 (2011 to 2014) to the Australian Drug
Foundation to conduct the Goodsports Program. The program works by effectively
introducing strategies that will change the culture of drinking across a local sporting
community and support the responsible service of alcohol.
Corrective Services NSW - Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drug Programs
In 2011/12, Corrective Services continued to provide information, programs, services and
resources that promote the benefits of healthy life style choices and reduce the harm caused
by tobacco, alcohol and other drug use. The Health Survival Tips DVD was delivered both as
a facilitated program for offenders newly received into custody and via the in-house TV
system. A set of animated advertisements to raise awareness of risk factors for Hepatitis C
was developed, also for use on the in-house TV system. Corrective Services NSW continued
to supply condoms and disinfectants to reduce the risk of transmission of blood borne and
sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B in correctional
facilities. In addition, a wide range of information resources, including the Hepatitis Review
and Transmission Magazine, were distributed in correctional centres.
4.3.2 Reduce harms to families
Casework Practice for frontline workers
In 2011/12, Community Services provided 2,442 case specific consultations related to drug
and/or alcohol issues to field practitioners and 74 separate group training sessions to field
practitioners on specific drug and/or alcohol issues. A drug and alcohol Psychologist within
Community Services also provides advice around adolescent substance misuse issues.
Intensive Supervision Program
The Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) is a community-based family intervention for young
people with complex clinical, social and educational problems, such as aggression and
violence, substance misuse, financial problems, housing needs, family conflict and offending
45
behaviour. The program has been established in two locations in Newcastle and Western
Sydney. In 2011/12, 48 (87%) of the 55 enrolled families successfully completed the ISP.
NSW Drug and Alcohol Program
The NSW Drug and Alcohol Program provides $2 million pa for: ‘Keep Them Safe’ to establish
support services for parents and children.
Aboriginal Prenatal Mental Health & Drug & Alcohol Campaign
The Aboriginal Prenatal Mental Health & Drug & Alcohol Campaign ‘Stay Strong and Healthy
– It’s Worth It’ aims to raise awareness among Aboriginal women and their partners, of
mental health and drug & alcohol issues during pregnancy and the postnatal period, and the
professional services available to support them. The campaign targets Aboriginal women
who are pregnant or have young babies and their partners, family members and peers. The
campaign was launched in mid-2012.
4.3.3 Reduce harms to individuals
It’s Your Choice - Use Your Voice Campaign
The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council campaign, funded by the NSW Ministry
of Health, aims to empower and educate Aboriginal adolescents aged 12 – 19 make
informed choices about sexual and reproductive health and understand the negative
impacts of alcohol and other drugs on their health. The campaign delivered messages at
three day Hip Hop and song writing workshops in 14 communities across NSW in August and
September 2011. The campaign Facebook page is ongoing at www.facebook.com /Its-YourChoice-Have-a-Voice.
‘Save a Mate’
In 2011/12 the NSW Ministry for Health provided $250,000 to the Australian Red Cross (ARC)
to implement ‘Save a Mate’ training across NSW. SAM (Save-a-Mate) is a health education
program that aims to reduce the harms associated with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use
amongst young people and at-risk groups of all ages, by providing education, service and
support on key current and emerging health issues, particularly those related to substance
use and mental health.
Crossroads
The Sport and Recreation Division of the Office of Communities operates the Crossroads
personal development and health education course for Year 11 and 12 students at NSW
Government schools. This program is based at Sport and Recreation Centres and introduces
discussion and positive choice making in a relaxed environment. The two themes are
relationships and drug issues
Reducing Drug and Alcohol Related Harm to Prisoners
Individuals entering the NSW correctional system are assessed for risk of withdrawal from
46
drugs and alcohol and other health concerns. Of the 23, 717 new adult receptions in 2011 2012:

6,935 were identified as having Drug and Alcohol issues;

5,910 also required withdrawal management services in an ambulatory setting and
252 required these services in an inpatient setting.
During 2011/12, 2149 drug and alcohol screenings were conducted for adolescents entering
custody, and 1996 addiction medicine outpatient occasions of service occurred for
adolescents whilst in custody.
Alcohol & Energy Drinks
On 11 September 2011, the NSW Ministry of Health announced the commissioning of a
review of the safety of energy drinks when consumed with alcohol. NSW Ministry of Health
has commissioned a cross government working group and allocated $150, 000 to
commission research to test the effect of consuming alcohol and energy drinks on the
human physiology, cognition and potential for risk taking behaviour. A consortium of
leading research bodies led by the Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre has been awarded
the commission with partners including the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre,
Deakin University, University of Tasmania and the University of Western Sydney. This work
has commenced with a final report to be provided in early 2013.
Dthina Yuwali
Juvenile Justice developed Dthina Yuwali (Tracking Footprints) – an Aboriginal specific,
staged alcohol and other drugs program based on the relationship between substance use
and pathways to offending. The Dthina Yuwali program utilises Aboriginal learning styles,
stories and the involvement of local Elders/ respected community members to facilitate and
promote considerations of change around substance use and offending behaviour. This
program highlights the power and impacts of positive choices and reinforces cultural
knowledge, connection, identity and values.
To date, 102 staff have been trained in the program. 37 young people successfully
completed the program in 2011/12. An external evaluation of Dthina Yuwali is being
undertaken as part of the National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework.
47
5
Victoria
5.1
Demand Reduction
5.1.1 Prevent uptake and delay onset of drug use
Tobacco
The Victorian Government provides funding to Quit Victoria for social marketing activity
aimed at maintaining the ongoing decline in smoking rates in low socio-economic, priority
populations with high smoking prevalence, and the general community. All Quit social
marketing campaigns undergo extensive evaluation to assess audience recall, reach and
impact.
Australian Drug Foundation
The Department of Health continues to fund the Australian Drug Foundation for the
provision of prevention and harm minimisation information for the community, aimed at
parents and young people, as well as alcohol and other drug workers, primary health
services and educators. In 2011-12, the DrugInfo Clearinghouse produced four Prevention
Research Quarterly papers and hosted supporting seminars that explored alcohol and drug
prevention and early intervention in the following topics:

The role of alcohol in crime and disorder

Heroin and other opioids

Older people, alcohol and other drugs

Information and communication technologies in reducing alcohol and other drug-related
harm.
Victorian Early Intervention Pilot Program (VEIPP)
The Victorian Early Intervention Pilot Program (VEIPP) is an alcohol diversion initiative for
underage youth, currently being piloted in the Maroondah Police Service Area (PSA). The
Maroondah PSA is located in eastern metropolitan Melbourne, approximately 35kms from
the CBD. The VEIPP is part of the national Early Intervention Pilot Program (EIPP) which was
established under the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Binge Drinking
Strategy (NBS).
The key principles of the EIPP are to facilitate a partnership between health and community
policing when dealing with young people at risk from alcohol-related harm, and provide
community police with additional options to assist them to address binge drinking of
underage youth.
The VEIPP enables a proactive response from Police who encounter young people aged 10
and over and under 18 years of age;
48

who they reasonably believe to be intoxicated by alcohol, or

satisfy the requirements of an offence of possess/consume alcohol (other than private
premises), and

consent to be involved in the EIPP.
The objective of the VEIPP is to provide a young person, encountered by police (as above)
with an opportunity to avoid criminal sanctions by allowing them and their parent/guardian
access to information, education and necessary treatment in relation to alcohol
consumption, in particular circumstances that involve, or are likely to involve binge drinking.
The VEIPP provides police with a discretionary alternative to issuing a penalty notice or
applying a Child Caution that is treatment focused, thus assisting police to address the causal
factors which have potential impact on some alcohol related crimes affecting local policing
areas.
The VEIPP is a partnership approach between Victoria Police and the Department of Health
with services provided by Eastern Access Community Health – Social and Community Health
and Turning Point Drug and Alcohol Centre (Drug Diversion Assistance Line (DDAL)).
The pilot program was officially launched in July 2010 and will conclude in June 2013.
Activities undertaken over the 2011-2012 financial year comprised:

providing ongoing training and training materials to police members in the Maroondah
PSA (including Transit members) as required,

maintaining stakeholder engagement within the pilot location,

scoping and implementing continuous improvement activities as required, and

meeting with key stakeholders regarding a possible integration/expansion of the VEIPP,
including:
 scoping of a second pilot location in a regional police service area to compliment
the existing metropolitan pilot location, and
 scoping the feasibility of integrating/expanding the VEIPP with the existing
referral networks.
5.1.2 Reduce use of drugs in the community
Whole of Government Victorian Alcohol and Drug Strategy
The Victorian Government is finalising a Whole of Government Victorian Alcohol and Drug
Strategy which will promote the safe and responsible use of alcohol, tackle illegal drugs and
the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs and help people to access high quality services that will
support them in their journey to recovery.
49
The National Drug Strategy 2010- 2015 has influenced the framework of the strategy in
identifying key action areas related to demand reduction, supply reduction and harm
reduction. The strategy framework will also be informed by a wide range of prior reviews
and reports, as well as the views of expert stakeholders and the public.
Key activities achieved over the 2011-12 financial year include the completion of a
consultation process including a series of targeted stakeholder forums across the State and a
public submission process. More than 120 written submissions were received.
An Expert Advisory Group (EAG) chaired by Prof Richard Larkins, Emeritus Professor, Monash
University advised the Minister for Mental Health on the development of the strategy.
An Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) has led the development of the strategy and has
met regularly. The IDC includes representatives of the departments of Health, Premier and
Cabinet, Business and Innovation, Education and Early Childhood Development, Human
Services, Justice, Planning and Community Development, Transport, Treasury and Finance,
and Victoria Police.
It is anticipated that the Strategy will be released before the end of 2012.
Say When
On 12 June 2012, the Minister for Mental Health launched Say When, an innovative new tool
to help Victorians assess their drinking and what it means for their health and wellbeing.
Say When is a free and confidential online information, screening and intervention tool
designed to help Victorian who drink alcohol to self-assess their own drinking habits,
compare themselves to others and check whether their drinking is putting them at risk of
harm. It also includes information on alcohol and its effects and a comprehensive self-guided
alcohol reduction program with motivational enhancements, cognitive behavioural therapy
techniques and interactive tools.
A targeted campaign is being rolled out, with resources distributed to GPs, pharmacists, the
primary health sector, workplaces, libraries and sporting clubs.
Say When was developed by Queensland University of Technology and is supported by the
Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth).
Say When can be found at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/saywhen.
Funding Quitline to support tobacco smoking cessation
The Victorian Department of Health provides funding to Quit Victoria for smoking support
cessation programs, including specialist programs targeted to sub populations with the
highest rates of smoking. Originally a telephone counselling service, the Quitline has
expanded to include a suite of web-based tools to support people to quit smoking and is
now integrated across several social media platforms.
50
An Aboriginal Quitline has also been established to provide access to a dedicated, culturally
appropriate service to support Aboriginal Victorians to quit smoking. This model has involved
establishing an Aboriginal Quitline Liaison Officer position to enhance relationships between
Quitline and communities, and promote services and referral pathways to Aboriginal
Quitline counsellors.
Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative (IDDI)
The Drug Diversion and Cannabis Cautioning programs enable police to refer illicit drug users
to timely health interventions. An arrest by police can provide the impetus to address illicit
drug use. Providing opportunities to access drug education, assessment and treatment
during such a critical moment takes full advantage of any momentum to change behaviour.
The Cannabis Cautioning program involves providing a cautioning notice for simple
use/possess cannabis offences to offenders who meet the Police criteria. An optional
education session for offenders will be offered in conjunction with the caution.
The Drug Diversion program involves offering a diversion to a person detained for use or
possession of an illicit drug other than cannabis on the condition that they undertake a
clinical drug assessment and enter any prescribed drug treatment. The offender must fit
Police criteria and agree to the diversion, and will be provided with a drug assessment
appointment time immediately.
Victoria Police supports operational members to implement this program with education,
training and resources. Every operational vehicle across Victoria is equipped with a drug
diversion satchel containing the resources to enable members to issue cannabis cautions
and drug diversions at point of arrest. Victoria Police has also developed a number of
resources to assist operational police members increase their utilisation of the IDDI
programs, including a drug identification poster that identified eligibility for the IDDI
programs for each substance type. The poster was distributed to all operational areas across
Victoria Police.
Drug Diversion Court Programs
Courts in Victoria are increasingly seeking to identify accused persons who have drug and
alcohol-related issues and to facilitate access by them to appropriate drug and alcohol
services. This is being achieved through a number of programs including the Court Referral
and Evaluation for Drug Intervention and Treatment (CREDIT)/Bail Support Program, the
Court Integrated Services Program (CISP), the Neighbourhood Justice Centre (NJC) and the
Drug Court.
The CREDIT/Bail Support Program offers assessment, case management and linkages to
community supports, including accommodation services and drug and alcohol treatment
services. It operates in eight regional and suburban Magistrates’ Courts.
CISP provides a coordinated, multi-disciplinary team-based approach to the assessment and
referral to treatment of clients. It links clients to support services such as drug and alcohol
treatment, crisis accommodation, disability services, mental health and acquired brain injury
51
services. CISP is an ongoing program operating at three court locations across Victoria,
covering approximately 34 percent of the State’s court users.
The NJC is an innovative court which operates in the City of Yarra, a high-density inner-city
location, aims to tackle low-level crime and anti-social behaviour and to reach offenders and
their problems before they progress to serious crime. Onsite services, including support for
drug and alcohol issues, for victims, offenders, civil litigants and the local community, are
provided at the NJC.
The Drug Court, in the Melbourne suburb of Dandenong, is a division of the Magistrates’
Court which is responsible for sentencing and supervising the treatment of offenders with
drug or alcohol dependency, who have committed an offence under the influence of drugs
or alcohol or to support a drug or alcohol habit. Participants in the Drug Court undertake a
two year program which includes drug and alcohol treatment and regular appearances
before the Drug Court Magistrate.
Operational Response Unit
In all operations the Victoria Police Operational Response Unit (ORU) has a focus on the
detection of persons using drugs in our community. The ORU have assisted the regions in a
number of Passive Alert Detection Dog specific operations over the past 12 months. These
operations have focused on large music events that have been held at the showgrounds,
Flemington Racecourse, Myer Music Bowl, Phillip Island and Werribee Park Mansion.
5.1.3 Support people to recover from dependence and reconnect with the
community
Reform of Victoria’s alcohol and drug treatment system
New directions for alcohol and drug treatment services – a Roadmap was released by the
Hon. Mary Wooldridge MP, Minister for Mental Health, on Friday 8 June 2012 and sets out
the framework and key directions for the reform of Victoria’s alcohol and drug treatment
system. The Roadmap identifies the key issues driving the need for reform and a
comprehensive program of change.
Reform of Victoria’s alcohol and drug treatment system will focus on treatment being more
person-centred, family and culturally inclusive and oriented towards helping people recover,
sustain change and reconnect with their families and communities.
Key principles guiding the reform of the treatment system include:

Person-centred, family and culturally inclusive, recovery oriented treatment

Accessible services

High quality, evidence based interventions

Integrated pathways

Responsive and sustainable system
52

Intervention at the earliest possible point

A focus on building bridges to treatment through stronger connections between
treatment and harm reduction services or forensic programs

Treatment delivered by a skilled and competent workforce.
The alcohol and drug treatment system will be transformed from a series of multiple,
complex and episodic transactions to one that supports people to make positive changes in
their lives when they decide to seek help for an alcohol or drug problem.
The key aim in reforming Victoria’s alcohol and drug treatment system is to make the system
work better for the people who need to use it. People come to alcohol and drug treatment
because they want to make a positive change. Treatment needs to help people achieve that
change. The treatment system should be centred on the person, and be family and culturally
inclusive. It should be oriented towards helping people to recover, to reconnect with their
families and to reintegrate into their communities. The workforce, culture and systems will
be redeveloped to support people in their individual journey towards recovery.
The Victorian Government has made a significant commitment to kick-start reforms in
alcohol and drug treatment services. The 2012 Victorian State Budget funded alcohol and
drug treatment services on an ongoing basis, providing a solid foundation from which to
improve and expand. The budget also delivered new funding of more than $20 million over
the next four years to seed reform in critical areas.
New funding of $2.6 million will create a central intake service to ensure better access to
treatment. Responses to people with alcohol and drug issues who present at hospitals and
emergency departments will be improved through new funding of $12.5 million over four
years, which will provide early intervention as well as treatment and diversion where
appropriate to community-based treatment services.
Over half a million dollars will help to drive change and achieve system-wide reform through
funding to support consumer and service provider engagement in the change process,
establishment of a central bed vacancy register, development of a common screening and
assessment tool, and workforce initiatives to improve the response to children and families.
Key reform priorities include:

Developing new models of care that are focused on recovery and family inclusion,
particularly taking into account the needs of children

Streamlining treatment programs from over 20 types down to six, and redeveloping the
funding model so that services can provide individualised responses to clients

Developing consistent, standardised assessment and needs identification to achieve an
appropriate and comprehensive response to clients

Fostering effective treatment pathways by recommissioning alcohol and drug treatment
services at an area level and connecting into a full range of services
53

Building a workforce that recognises the current skills and expertise of employees in the
sector and promotes the development of clinical, relationship and care-coordination
capability.
Key activities include:

Redeveloping the pharmacotherapy system in 2012 by establishing a new area based
approach

Introducing a bed vacancy register and central intake service

Expanding access to needle and syringe programs and counselling services in growth
corridors and regional areas.

Releasing a new workforce strategy and implementation plan.

In 2013 adult non-residential treatment services will be recommissioned with new
service delivery commencing from 1 July 2014.

In 2014 redevelopment of the youth treatment system will commence.
Work to redevelop and redesign the treatment system is being undertaken with the
assistance of the sector, consumers and families. Advisory groups have been established to
help frame and test proposals for future service delivery.
The roadmap that sets out the Victorian Government’s reform directions is available on the
Department of Health website at http://www.health.vic.gov.au/aod/sectorreform.
Alcohol and Drug Screening and Assessment Tools
In March 2011, the Department of Health funded the development of new alcohol and drug
screening and assessment tools. The tools have now been piloted and redeveloped and a
second round of piloting is underway. A Project Steering Committee, Expert Advisory Group
and Registered Training Organisation round table is informing the work of the project. The
generic screening tools will also be piloted with the Victorian Department of Human Services
case managers and housing workers at pilot sites for joined up service delivery. In addition,
the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and a key
Aboriginal service delivery agency, Ngwala are working with Turning Point Alcohol and Drug
Centre to ensure the tools are suitable for use with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities. Further versions of the screening tool are being considered included one
targeting pregnant women, being developed with the Royal Women’s Hospital
Central Intake Service and Bed Vacancy Register
Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre (part of Eastern Health) has been funded to develop a
new central intake service and bed vacancy register as part of the suite of treatment system
reforms announced by the Government in June 2012. Callers to the central intake service
will be screened and offered up-to-date advice and information about alcohol and drug use
54
and treatment. Over time, the central intake service will be able to offer warm referrals to
treatment and access to telephone or web-based based counselling and support.
In addition, Turning Point will lead the work on establishing a new bed vacancy register for
residential withdrawal, residential rehabilitation and supported accommodation beds. The
bed vacancy register will initially focus on adult residential withdrawal and rehabilitation
beds, extending to youth beds and other residential services over time. Turning Point is
working with delivery agencies to map agreed processes for identifying and defining
vacancies and criteria for access. The bed vacancy register will commence operation in early
2013.
New Therapeutic Counselling, Consultancy and Continuing Care services
The Victorian Government has committed $2.25 million per year for new therapeutic
Counselling, Consultancy and Continuing Care (CCCC) services, addressing shortfalls in access
and support in regional Victoria and outer suburban Melbourne. These holistic services will
be delivered from within local health hubs to reduce stigma and facilitate service
integration.
The new therapeutic AOD treatment services will provide places for people with substance
use issues to engage in time limited intensive community based AOD treatment. Services will
provide therapeutic counselling interventions that are consistent with the Victorian
Government’s commitment to change substance using behaviour through assisting people
to cease or reduce substance use and to establish healthier lifestyles.
The therapeutic AOD treatment services will consist of teams of four counsellors with a mix
of qualifications, experience and specialist knowledge including family therapy, complex
clients, indigenous sensitive practice, mental health and dual diagnosis, cognitive
impairment and disability, offenders and care coordination. In particular, staff must have the
qualifications and experience necessary to provide a program of psychosocial counselling
and/or group work to assist in recovery from substance use and to develop, monitor and
maintain an evidence-based, best practice therapeutic program.
The 2011-12 budget included $9 million over four years to extend the model of therapeutic
4Cs to three growth areas in the Eastern and Southern Metropolitan areas of Melbourne.
This will enable testing of this model in eight growth areas to inform the whole of
government drug and alcohol strategy and the reform of the treatment service system.
Catalyst Program
The Catalyst program is a 6 week non residential structured pilot program at ReGen that
provides intensive support post alcohol withdrawal for people over 18 years who reside in
Victoria. The aim of the program is to help people develop coping skills and maintain the
motivation to change their drinking behaviour at a time when it is very challenging to stay on
track. The program includes individual and group sessions, recreation and social activities
with family or significant others involvement encouraged. The Government has funded the
Catalyst Program for a further four years.
55
The Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act 2010
The objectives of the Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act 2010 (the Act), which
came into effect on 1 March 2011, are:

to provide for the detention and treatment of persons with a severe substance
dependence where this is necessary as a matter of urgency to save the person’s life or
prevent serious damage to the person’s health; and

to enhance the capacity of those persons to make decisions about their substance use
and personal health, safety and welfare.
Detention and treatment is considered an option of last resort and is aimed at providing a
critical intervention that will give the person time out from their substance dependence (up
to 14 days), access to medically assisted withdrawal, a chance to recover their capacity and
think more clearly about their situation, and provide the opportunity to engage in voluntary
treatment. Without intervention, these people will most likely become permanently
disabled or die.
St Vincent's Hospital, as the treatment centre under the Act, has to date had 12 orders under
the Act.
Forensic treatment
The Government continues to fund a range of drug and alcohol services for forensic clients
predominantly through the Community Offenders Advice and Treatment Service operated
by the Australian Community Support Organisation. In 2011-12 over 21,000 referrals were
made.
In conjunction with the wider system redevelopment, work is currently being undertaken to
reform forensic AOD services, based on the recommendations of a commissioned report
which provides a series of findings and recommendations around on how health and justice
agencies can continue to treat and support forensic clients with substance using and
offending needs. The data analysis undertaken for the report reveals an increasing
complexity in the needs, and significant changes in the level of anti-social and/or violent
tendencies in the population group.
Planned reform of the alcohol and drug treatment system will deliver better access to
treatment and enhanced support for forensic clients with a range of evidence-based
treatment interventions that better address the relationship between their use and their
offending behaviour. Treatment will have the focus of reducing the risk of re-offending and
treating the underlying issues in an integrated manner.
Dual Diagnosis
The Victorian Dual Diagnosis Initiative (VDDI) is designed to build the capacity of the mental
health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) workforces to deliver an improved service response
for people that experience both mental health and substance use issues.
56
To date the activities of the VDDI have been informed by the policy Dual Diagnosis: Key
directions and priorities for service development. This policy provided a three year action
plan with five service development outcomes designed to ensure dual diagnosis is
systematically identified and responded to as core business of mental health and AOD
services, that staff from both sectors would be “dual diagnosis capable” and that services
establish effective partnerships to support integrated care to promote a systematic
approach to service provision through integrated assessment, treatment and care in both
mental health and alcohol and other drug services so a person experiencing dual diagnosis
has timely access to quality treatment and support.
The Government is currently developing a new Victorian Service Framework for co-existing
mental health and alcohol and drug disorders based on the findings of the Australian
Healthcare Associates evaluation of the program.
The framework is intended to promote consistency of practice across the service system,
support continuous service improvement and provide a resource and support for clinical
mental health, alcohol and drug and community managed mental health services.
Alcohol and other drug (AOD) program services in Victorian prisons
The Victorian Department of Justice, through its guiding strategy document the Victorian
Prison Drug Strategy 2002, aims to reduce drug and alcohol use and associated harms in
prison and provides opportunities for intensive treatment and transitional post-release
support.
Alcohol and other drug (AOD) program services are being delivered in Victoria’s public
prisons. In Victoria’s two private prisons, the prison provider delivers AOD programs.
After a competitive tender process, Caraniche was awarded a five-year contract for delivery
of AOD programs throughout Victoria’s public prisons from 1 July 2012. This contract
replaces a system that saw multiple service providers delivering drug treatment across
Victoria’s public prisons.
Baroona Youth Healing Place
On 27 July 2008, Njernda Aboriginal Corporation opened Baroona as a residential
rehabilitation centre for Koori male youths with alcohol and substance abuse issues.
Baroona is located on a 320-acre farm on the Murray River, approximately six kilometres
from Echuca. Baroona provides a safe, culturally appropriate and confidential place for
young Aboriginal men to undergo a cultural journey to ‘heal the spirit’ whilst addressing
their substance abuse issues. Key aspects of the program include a strong cultural and
spiritual base, personal development, education and vocational training, employment,
healthy life style choices, counseling, traditional and contemporary healing ways, and life
skills. Baroona accepts Koori male youth between the ages of 14 and 25 with alcohol and/or
drug issues. Baroona accommodates up to twelve clients at a time, who participate in a
structured (but individually tailored) 16-week program.
57
The Commonwealth Government (through the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Health) is the primary funding body, with the Victorian Government contributing
around one-third of the annual funding.
Baroona is one of a suite of programs being evaluated by the Commonwealth Attorney
General’s Department in 2012-2013.
Bunjilwarra
The Victorian Government has established Bunjilwarra Youth Healing Service, a unique
alcohol and drug treatment centre for young Aboriginal people. The facility was launched by
the Minister for Mental Health who described Bunjilwarra as, “a service focused on restoring
a young person’s sense of self and wellbeing”.
Total funding of $4.5 million has been allocated to the project which includes $3.5 million of
Victorian Government funds and a $1 million contribution from the Foundation for Alcohol
Research and Education (FARE).
Bunjilwarra is managed by Ngwala Willumbong, and is located in Hastings on the
Mornington Peninsula. The twelve-bed statewide rehabilitation service utilises a holistic and
culturally appropriate healing model, designed to assist young Aboriginal people aged 15 –
20 years to address substance abuse issues and reintegrate with the community.
Victoria's Alcohol and Drug Workforce Framework and Implementation Plan
In 2011-12, the Department of Health undertook consultations and drafting of Victoria’s
Alcohol and Drug Workforce Framework 2012-22 and Implementation Plan 2012/13 –
2014/15.
The Framework provides a long term vision for the workforce to ensure Victoria will have a
competent, capable and sustainable alcohol and drug workforce that has the necessary
knowledge, attitudes, values and skills to deliver timely, high quality treatment and support
that meets the needs of people with alcohol and drug issues and their families.
The Implementation plan relates to the delivery of activities in the first three years of the
framework from 2012/13 – 2014/15. Both the Framework and the Plan have been designed
to be responsive to, and supportive of, the New directions for alcohol and drug treatment
services: A roadmap (2012), as well as the Victorian Whole-of-Government Alcohol and Drug
Strategy 2012-22 currently in development.
Together the Framework and Plan provide a platform to ensure Victoria has a capable and
sustainable alcohol and drug workforce that is well positioned to deliver high quality services
in a rapidly changing environment. Victoria's Alcohol and Drug Workforce Framework and
Implementation Plan will be released shortly.
Learning and development
In 2011-12, the Government continued to support workforce development initiatives for the
AOD sector in Victoria by funding:
58

A training program to build the skills of the current workforce which includes training in
the four units of the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Work that make up the
nationally endorsed AOD skills set.

Scholarships for the Graduate Certificate and Diploma courses in AOD studies, and
offering a short course made up of four units in the Graduate Certificate in AOD studies
at Turning Point to increase access to higher education.

The development of learning resources for two compulsory units in the Diploma of
Community Services (AOD) to further build the skills of AOD clinicians. These are Work
effectively with clients with complex AOD issues and Provide a range of services to
people with mental health issues

A training needs analysis of 76 managers across Victoria was conducted toward building
the capacity of AOD sector managers to manage change. Managers expressed the need
for change management, financial management and project management training. They
also wanted more support in general staff management issues, leadership and with
quality assurance. Turning Point is running a training program encompassing financial
management, project management as well as leadership skills, people management and
change management.
Clinical Supervision Program
In 2011, The Bouverie Centre was commissioned by the Government to produce web based
clinical supervision guidelines. Quality supervision is consistently identified as a practice that
directly benefits workers, agencies and clients through increasing job satisfaction and
morale; ensuring clients are receiving optimal treatment through better communication;
providing transference of complex clinical skills to workers and encouraging a culture of best
practice and innovation.
The objectives of this project were to:

Enhance clinical supervision capacity and competence across the alcohol and drug
workforce.

Improve the quality of clinical supervision at service and clinical supervisor levels.

Increase the availability of and access to appropriate clinical supervision.

Promote continuous improvement and innovation in clinical supervision across the
alcohol and drug sector.
AOD Tertiary Student Innovation Project
An innovative pilot for co-ordinated, multi-agency collaboration in AOD tertiary student field
placements was piloted in 2011 in Melbourne’s Eastern Metropolitan Region by the EMR
Alcohol and Drug Strategy Group: Workforce Development Working Group.
The pilot sought to:
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
Implement the Pilot Model across multiple AOD agencies and Tertiary Institutions by coordinating field placements for a sample of students undertaking tertiary studies in AODrelated fields;

Evaluate the Pilot Model by assessing the appropriateness and effectiveness of the Pilot
Program in delivering meaningful student field placements;

Evaluate the effectiveness of the Pilot Program in supporting workplace development
outcomes in the AOD sector;

Provide evidence-based recommendations pertaining to the future delivery of AOD
Tertiary student field placements, generalisable to the broader Australian AOD sector.
Koori AOD Nurses Initiative
A new nursing capacity within targeted rural Aboriginal AOD services was introduced in
2011-12 by the Government. Seven AOD nurses were incorporated to three AOD services
within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHO) to provide clinical
and health support to Aboriginal people accessing services due to drug and alcohol use.
The Government delivered a professional development and support program for the new
AOD nurses working within AOD programs provided by ACCHOs. The program was designed
to address the nurses’ professional development needs. In particular the program focused
on:

Establishment of a Community of Practice model to enable nurses to debrief and share
learning’s about the implementation of new AOD service models

Training needs analysis of all nurses, followed the development of a group professional
development plan and delivery of AOD training program to meet the identified AOD
knowledge and skill gaps

Clinical and cultural supervision models for nurses in each location
Telkaya Network
The Government continued its commitment to supporting the Telkaya network. Telkaya is
made up of over 100 State and Commonwealth-funded Koori AOD workers from across
Victoria. Formed over 20 years ago, since 2006 the Government has supported the network
to conduct 4 Yearly Statewide meetings. The purpose of Telkaya is to:

provide cultural support and debriefing opportunities to workers

share knowledge and experiences in service delivery

build relationships across with the Koori and mainstream AOD agencies and receive
sector briefings

provide professional development activities
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
provide AOD sector-specific support for rural and mainstream based AOD workers who
may be isolated in their workplace
AOD Service Providers Conferences
The Department of Health hosts a series of Alcohol and Drug Service Providers Conferences
each year. These conferences provide agencies with the opportunity to access practical and
up to date information and research on current AOD issues and to network and share
information with other service providers. Between 250 and 300 participants attend each
conference. In 2011-12 conferences focused on the key drivers, planning and development
of the alcohol and drug treatment system reform.
5.1.4 Support efforts to promote social inclusion and resilient individuals,
families and communities
Family Inclusive Practice
In 2011-12, the Bouverie Centre was commissioned by the Government to develop a Family
Inclusive Practice Framework. The framework aims to support the sustainability of family
inclusive practice (FIP) by embedding FIP principles within and across organisations by
enhancing the capacity and capability of the workforce in FIP. Specifically, the main aims of
the initiative were to:

Enhance the capacity and competence of the alcohol and drug workforce in family
inclusive practice.

Improve how the alcohol and drug workforce engages with families of clients in
treatment planning and delivery.

Promote continuous improvement and innovation in family inclusive practice across the
alcohol and sector.

Promote the Family Inclusive Practice Framework Guidelines throughout the alcohol and
drug sector.
The Government will build on the current investment in FIP by engaging the Bouverie Centre
to roll out the FIP Framework across the AOD sector.
Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement
The Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement is the primary vehicle for improving Koori justice
outcomes and responds to national frameworks in relation to the COAG Closing the Gap
Community Safety Building Block and the Standing Committee of Attorney-Generals
sponsored National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework 2009-2015. Both these
frameworks recognise the importance of increasing safety and reducing offending in
Indigenous communities by addressing alcohol and substance abuse.
Frontline Youth Initiative
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A particularly important program initiated through the Victorian Aboriginal Justice
Agreement is the Frontline Youth Initiative Program (Frontline). Frontline aims to promote
healthy and pro-social lifestyles for Koori children and young people, thereby aiming to
reduce their contact with the criminal justice system. Frontline grants are initiated as a result
of a close collaborative process with the Koori community, who are able to identify priority
outcomes and develop solutions to their own identified needs. The Community Grants
Program also offers another funding stream to enable community organisations to
undertake research or pilot programs to reduce negative contact between the Koori
community and the criminal justice system. This is known as the Community Initiatives
Program.
Healing Ways Aboriginal Dual Diagnosis Project
The Government supported the development and release of a Dual Diagnosis suite of
resources for Koori Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) & mental health (MH) workers, under the
title of Our Healing Ways. The resources were developed by the St Vincent's Dual Diagnosis
Education and Training Unit in partnership with VACCHO, VAHS, Ngwala, Aboriginal Cultural
consultants and experienced Aboriginal AOD & MH workers from Victoria.
The resources are:

Our Healing Ways Manual - a guide for working with people with mental health and drug
and alcohol issues which are often inter-related with other health, social and spiritual
wellbeing issues. The manual was developed to enable Aboriginal workers to further
build their capacity to provide effective healing strategies to their community from an
Indigenous perspective.

The Relationship Between AOD and MH Resource for Aboriginal Workers - Information
on AOD, MH, and Dual diagnosis packaged as an easy to understand reference book that
accompanies the Our Healing Ways manual.

Our Healing Ways Supervision - Culturally Appropriate Model for Aboriginal Workers
which provides a summary of information regarding culturally appropriate
clinical/practice supervision needs for Aboriginal workers and options to meet these
needs.
5.2
Supply Reduction
5.2.1 Reduce the supply of illegal drugs (both current and emerging)
Victoria Police Drug Taskforce
Victoria Police Drug Taskforce (DTF) had a number of major achievements during 2011-12
which resulted in the reduction in the supply of illegal drugs. These include:

Operation Showroom a short term investigation involved the arrest of 2 offenders and
the seizure of approximately 14 kilograms of drugs consisting of heroin,
methamphetamine ‘ice’ and cocaine along with $3.7m cash.
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
Operation Lithium involved the arrest of 5 offenders and seizure of approximately 9
kilograms of drugs including heroin, amphetamines and cocaine, $200k in cash and
$1.2m in asset seizures.

Operation Ten Pence, Horizon and Solitude resulted in significant seizures of
methamphetamine, ‘ice’, heroin and other amphetamine type substances.
A number of smaller operations were also conducted which were reactive to snap
intelligence. The DTF also provided support across the Victoria Police regions to further
develop the regional capabilities and ensure broad access to the regions for DTF members.
Victoria Police Clandestine Laboratory Squad
Victoria Police Clandestine Laboratory Squad (CLS) detected 99 laboratories, 79 detected in
residential locations across Victoria 2011-12.The squad has achieved numerous targets
including organized crime syndicates which manufacture and distribute amphetamine type
substances. CLS has utilized partner agencies, in particular the Australian Customs and
Border Protection Services which had a significant impact on interrupting the delivery of
precursor chemicals.
Victoria Police Clandestine Laboratory Squad (CLS) continues to develop short term
disruption programs to reduce drug and amphetamine manufacturing. Disruption programs
include the Recidivist Offender List which targets active amphetamine manufacturers,
targeting known ‘cooks’ who are currently on bail, awaiting trial or recently released from
prison. The main focus of the project is to restrict the availability of amphetamine type
substances (ATS) to suppliers.
CLS has highlighted that Federal legislation is required in the chemical industry to record the
purchase of chemicals and other products which can be used in the manufacture of ATS as
End User Declarations. Currently there is no legislative requirement to notify law
enforcement agencies of these purchases. Any notifications currently are voluntary. CLS has
highlighted this requires future focus.
CLS has also aided harm reduction by the continued interruption of ATS manufacture in
terms of restricting the flow of ATS into the community, particularly Ice. However there is
further harm reduction to the community in the safe dismantling of illicit drug laboratories.
Laboratories are potentially highly toxic, highly volatile environments which frequently have
the capacity for considerable damage, injury and or death should they not be handled in a
controlled manner. The continued involvement of CLS, DVI and properly trained chemists is
vital in preventing such disasters.
Victoria Police Joint Organized Crime Task Force
Victoria Police Joint Organized Crime Task Force (JOCTF) in partnership with the AFP, ACC,
Australian Customs & Boarder Protection Services and national and international Law
Enforcement Agencies (LEA) are identifying and profiling international drug traffickers and
couriers. This enables a combined law enforcement impact directly on the drug supply chain
into Australia and to disrupt serious and organized crime both in Australia and off shore.
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The JOCTF in partnership with the AFP, ACC, Australian Customs & Boarder Protection
Services and national and international Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) is working to
impact and disrupt the supply chain in the country of origin. This strategy presents some
unique challenges. By way of example, some countries in Asia have no statutory offence for
the possession of precursor chemicals. It is through the engagement of local law
enforcement where these shipments can be identified in the country of origin, enabling
JOCTF, Trident Task Force and other LEAs to conduct appropriate investigations, with drug
seizures at the point of arrival, subsequent arrests and asset seizures which impact heavily
on the crime syndicates.
Operational Response Unit
The Victoria Police Operational Response Unit has also supported the Victoria Police Crime
Department and North West Metro Region with a number of large scale operations focusing
on "cannabis grow houses".
Synthetic Cannabinoids
In response to the issue of substances which mimic the effects of cannabis not being
captured by existing drug legislation, amendments were made to Victoria's Drugs, Poisons
and Controlled Substances Act 1981. These amendments allowed substances which the
Minister believed to be of significant risk to the health of consumers to be defined as drugs
of dependence, by regulation, for a period of twelve months. The amendment bill was
passed in August 2011 and the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances (Drugs of
Dependence) Regulations 2011 which listed eight synthetic cannabinoids substances as
drugs of dependence came into effect in November 2011.
Display and sale of bongs
On 1 January 2012, an amendment to the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act
1981 was enacted which created substantial changes to laws relating to the display, sale and
supply of cannabis water pipes (bongs, bong kits and hookahs). The amendment to the Act
made it illegal for retailers (including market stalls) to display, sell or supply bongs in the
course of a commercial activity. The amendment also banned the display and sale of bong
component parts and ‘bong kits’ to stop retailers simply disassembling a bong and selling it
in a ‘kit’ form. It also made it illegal to display more than three hookahs (tobacco water
pipes) in the course of a commercial activity.
5.2.2 Control and manage the supply of alcohol, tobacco and other legal drugs
Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation
In February 2011, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (the
Commission) commenced operation. The new Commission provides a unified approach to
the regulation of liquor and gambling.
The Commission has provided an integrated and consistent approach to liquor licensing,
compliance and enforcement. It also enhances the timeliness and effectiveness of the
regulator’s response to breaches of liquor laws. The Commission’s organisational structure
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facilitates the delivery of a regulatory strategy focused on education and appropriate
enforcement of liquor and gambling laws.
The Commission has released its Strategic Priorities 2012-2015. This document outlines key
long-term strategies for delivering community-wide benefits through the regulation of
Victoria's gambling and liquor industries.
The Commission’s four key priorities are that it is:

modern in its regulatory approach, demonstrating leadership and innovation

efficient in its practices and the way it regulates

a high performing and dynamic workplace, where people are respected, supported and
model integrity

networked to improve gambling and liquor regulatory outcomes.
To deliver these priorities, the Commission will continue to work with industry stakeholders
and the community by sharing information and improving understanding of the issues faced.
Taskforce RAZON
RAZON, along with the Liquor Licensing Unit which is co-located with the Victoria
Commission for Gaming and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR), works with VCGLR compliance
inspectors in ensuring licensees supply liquor to the community in accordance with their
obligations under the Act. RAZON provides this service discreetly while VCGLR investigators
provide it overtly.
While RAZON targets premises that have a high rating of harm, it is envisaged that these
agencies working together with local Licensing Inspectors prevent and reduce the impact of
the supply of alcohol.
Operational Response Unit
The Victoria Police ORU supports North West Metro Region with resources to assist the
weekly Safe Street operations on Friday and Saturday nights in the Melbourne CBD. ORU
has also assisted other regions in respect specific targeted operations around public order
where alcohol is identified as a key driver. On New Years Eve the ORU deployed resources
to Lakes Entrance and Geelong/Torquay to deal with public order and alcohol related
violence in respect to the arrival of the New Year.
Secondary supply of alcohol
The Victorian Government's legislative reforms regarding secondary supply were passed by
the Victorian Parliament in May 2011 and came into effect on 1 November 2011. These
reforms return decision-making about a child's access to alcohol to parents by making it
illegal to supply alcohol to a minor in a private home without parental consent.
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VicHealth, the Australian Drug Foundation and the Government worked together to deliver a
communication and education project targeting parents and teenagers from October 2011 April 2012. The total budget of the project was $1 million. The project included advertising,
materials dissemination, a dedicated website and social media to provide information to
young people and their parents about the new laws, and increase awareness of the health
and social reasons why young people should delay drinking alcohol. The project also
included the delivery of 10 parents forums across Victoria to educate parents about the new
law and ways to manage the issue of alcohol and their children.
Ban on fruit flavoured tobacco and tobacco related products
Under the Tobacco Act 1987, the Victorian Minister for Health banned the sale of fruit
flavoured rolling papers, cigar wraps and cigarillos from 18 November 2011. The products
were banned because they possess a fruity, sweet or confectionary-like character and bright,
colourful and alluring packaging that may encourage children or young people to smoke.
Similar products have been banned in Tasmania and NSW.
Cigarette Sales to Minors Program
In Victoria, responsibility for the overall enforcement of the Tobacco Act 1987 is delegated
to 79 local councils. The Cigarette Sales to Minors (CSTM) program provides funding to
councils to educate tobacco retailers about their obligation not to sell cigarettes to minors
and to enforce breaches of the cigarette sales to minors provisions of the Act.
5.3
Harm Reduction
5.3.1 Reduce harms to community safety and amenity
Five star and demerit points system
In February 2011, the Victorian Government introduced a demerit points scheme, designed
to target licensees who repeatedly break the law. Under the demerit points scheme, demerit
points are issued where there is non-compliance with one of the six most serious offences
under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998. These offences relate to supplying liquor to an
intoxicated person, supplying liquor or permitting liquor to be supplied to an underage
person, and permitting a drunk and disorderly person or underage person on the licensed
premises.
To complement the demerit points scheme, the five star rating system was introduced to
reward compliant licensees. The five star rating system rewards licensees with a good
compliance history with a discount on their annual fees. Licensees that obtain a four star
rating will receive a five per cent discount, while those that have a five star rating will receive
a 10 per cent discount.
Step Back Think initiative
The Victorian Government has implemented its election commitment to provide a grant of
$200,000 per year for four years from 2011-12 to 2014-15 to Step Back Think. Step Back
Think is a non-profit organisation of young people that aims to tackle alcohol-fuelled
violence throughout Australia. Its message is that one punch can kill, after the founders'
66
friend James McCready-Bryan was left with severe brain damage after a single punch
assault.
Step Back Think has been effective in communicating to young people through its website,
social media and events. This includes promotions as part of the Big Day Out and the Just
Think campaign among the AFL community. In September 2011, Step Back Think launched
the 'Just Think' tram to promote its message to a broader audience.
Code of practice for running safer music festivals and events
The Code of practice for running safer music festivals and events is a guide to assist
organisers of music festivals and events to plan, run and manage events safely, and meet
legal requirements, government standards and safety obligations. The Code of Practice
covers four main areas: planning, preparation and management; public health and safety;
harm reduction and education; and legal issues. Each of these areas is covered in detail in
the Code.
The code was developed in consultation with representatives from the music festival
industry, Ambulance Victoria and St John Ambulance, Victoria Police, the Australian Drug
Foundation, peer education groups and the Victorian Health Department. The code was
released on-line from the Department of Health webpage in April 2012.
Victoria Police Crime Capability and Development Group
In 2011-12 the Victoria Police Crime Capability and Development Group (CCDG) commenced
work on the issue of indoor hydroponic cannabis cultivation. Recent trends indicate that
establishing houses in urban settings to hydroponically grow cannabis is rapidly becoming
the primary method of cultivation. In order to improve community safety and reduce the risk
posed to communities by this crime type, a holistic and coordinated response underpinned
by education for members is required.
In December 2011 and April 2012 CCDG coordinated two multi-agency consultative
workshops on the issue of indoor hydroponic cannabis cultivation which focused on
investigation avenues as well as safe dismantling procedures. Key external stakeholders
including power supply and service companies, Office of Public Prosecutions, Australian
Federal Police, Department of Immigration, Asset Confiscation Operations, and other
Australian Law Enforcement Agencies participated in the workshops.
As a result, Victoria Police is currently preparing an ongoing operational framework for
responding to the trend of indoor hydroponic cannabis cultivation. Alongside this, CCDG has
been granted funding towards the development of education and training resources for
members on safe and effective investigation and management of cannabis crop houses in
Victoria.
Police education
The Victoria Police Drug and Alcohol Strategy Unit (DASU) have continued to provide
specialist drug and alcohol advice, information, education and resources to Police. This was
achieved via various mediums including accredited short courses, drug trends bulletins,
67
practice guides, and information reports. The basis for the transfer of knowledge is derived
from evidence based practice and research, and validated intelligence analysis from a variety
of sources, including, but not limited to, national reports.
5.3.2 Reduce harms to families
Treatment system reforms
Reform of the alcohol and drug treatment system will be integrated with reforms occurring
across government and in health and welfare services more generally. Treatment system
reforms will contribute to key directions for Victoria’s vulnerable children. Children whose
parents have alcohol and drug problems will be a key focus to ensure they don’t experience
violence or neglect as a result of those problems or become our next generation of service
users.
Alcohol and drug treatment will consider the wider context of a person’s family and social
relationships and their economic, health and other needs. Treatment programs will
collaborate, coordinate and integrate with other programs and services so people with
alcohol or drug problems also get help to find stable housing and employment, support with
their parenting, access to primary or mental health services they need, help resolving
financial or relationship issues and so on.
Road policing
Victoria Police continues to work with its road safety partners, the TAC, Vic Roads and the
Department of Justice, to deter drivers from engaging in drink and drug driving behaviour to
minimise the harm caused by alcohol and drug related road trauma. High volume, highly
visible and well publicised alcohol and drug screening of drivers is a feature of Victoria Police
enforcement activity. Victoria Police screened more than 3.5 million drivers for the presence
of alcohol and more than 50,000 drivers for the presence of illicit drugs in 2011/12. The
roadside drug testing program has expanded to include highway patrol units screening
drivers for the presence of illicit drugs across Victoria in addition to the centrally based
'booze/drug bus' testing operations. This expansion of Victoria Police activity has seen the
number of drug drivers detected increase to just under 2,000 in the 2011/12 year. Victoria
Police continues to work to increase the perception of detection when drivers engage in
drink and drug driving behaviour to maximise deterrence and to minimise the harm caused
by alcohol and drug related road trauma.
5.3.3 Reduce harms to individuals
Needle and Syringe Program (NSP)
The 2011-12 State Budget included $3.74 million NSP Growth Initiative funding over four
years to increase after-hours access to sterile injecting equipment in Melbourne’s outer
south-eastern and western suburbs. Following the success of the Salvation Army’s Health
Information Exchange (HIE) Primary NSP in St Kilda, which has been operating 24-hours a day
since November 2007, two 12-month pilot projects commencing in 2012 extend existing
limited after-hours mobile NSP services to secure 24-hour access.
68
In 2011-12, 10.3 million syringes were distributed in Victoria through more than 500
registered NSP outlets. This represents a 4.2 per cent annual increase and a 28.3 per cent
increase in the past five years. This increase is consistent with continuing high levels of
injecting drug use and increasing access to NSP services in Victoria.
Underlying the overall growth figures and reflecting Victoria’s population growth, funded
NSPs, mostly located in localities with historically high levels of injecting drug use, recorded
an annual growth of only 2.1 per cent and a 4.2 per cent increase in the past five years. This
compares with a 7.9 per cent annual and a 52.6 per cent 5-year increase at unfunded nonpharmacy NSPs.
Distribution through pharmacy NSPs has increase eight-fold (799.2%) in the past five years,
following the recruitment of nearing 300 pharmacies to NSP participation since 2008, but
syringe distribution at pharmacy NSPs only accounted for 6.2 per cent of total NSP syringe
distribution in 2011-12. In total, community pharmacy distribution including retail sales
accounted for an estimated 11.1 per cent of syringes accessed by people who inject drugs.
Taking account of population growth, on a per capita basis, syringe distribution has
increased in the past five years by 18.2 per cent; 9.9 per cent in metropolitan Melbourne
and 50.1 per cent in rural and regional Victoria.
Pharmacotherapy
Client participation in opioid replacement therapy in Victoria has increased by over 30 per
cent in the last six years. In July 2012, there were 14,035 clients receiving pharmacotherapy,
mostly from general practitioners and community pharmacies. The number of people
actively accessing opioid replacement therapy in the community has increased per capita by
16.1 per cent; 6.9 per cent in metropolitan Melbourne and 66.9 per cent in rural and
regional Victoria.
A review of Victoria's pharmacotherapy system was conducted in 2010. The review found
that the fundamentals of the Victorian pharmacotherapy model are sound but identified a
number of areas where specific changes are needed to address system pressures arising
primarily from continued growth in demand. The May 2011 budget included an additional
$11 million over the next four years specifically directed towards the pharmacotherapy
treatment system.
With this investment, the Victorian Government will build an integrated, robust and
sustainable system that is complemented by quality specialist care. This will take place as
part of the broader reforms identified in the New directions for alcohol and drug treatment
services: a roadmap. Pharmacotherapy has been identified in the reform policy as one of the
six key treatment types in the service system.
Opioid Substitution Therapy in Victorian prisons
The Victorian Government continues to offer opioid substitution therapy (OST) throughout
Victorian prisons. OST is effective at reducing cravings, stabilising drug users in treatment
and reducing the demand for illicit drugs. It also aims to reduce the harm associated with
69
illicit opioid use among Victoria’s prisoners both during their sentence or remand, and upon
their return to the community.
In 2012, the use of suboxone sublingual film was introduced into Victorian Prisons, as an
alternative to the suboxone sublingual tablet. The unique characteristics of the Suboxone
film make it harder to divert than the tablet in a supervised setting, as the film dissolves
faster under the tongue than the tablet and rapidly adheres to the oral mucosa, making it
difficult to remove or divert.
In addition to these programs, the Victorian Government continues to provide bleach to
prisoners for the purposes of disinfecting injecting equipment, peer education programs and
harm-minimisation education to reduce the harms associated with drug use in the prison
environment.
Pharmacotherapy maintenance treatment for prisoners returning to community
To assist the transition of prisoners return to the community, the Government continues to
subsidise pharmacotherapy maintenance treatment for 30 days post release. This aims to
achieve retention in treatment to reduce the risk of relapse to illicit opioid use for clients
immediately upon release to the community. This is critical to reducing re-offending.
Koori Night Patrol Program
The Koori Night Patrol Program safely transports ‘at risk’ Aboriginal people from public
places, assists them in connecting to activities and services available in the area and aims to
assist them to develop positive and productive relationships with local police. It also
increases community involvement in building a successful night patrol program as well as
using respected Elders in the community to assist with the smooth operation of the
program.
An external evaluation of this program was completed in 2010 and found that some
individual Koori Night Patrol Programs were more effective than others. The more successful
programs had considerable community support.
RAZON
RAZON utilizes a harm reduction strategy ‘Licensed Premises Prevention and Enforcement
Model’ that centres on the 5 E’s principles.

Engagement

Education

Elimination

Enforcement, and

Evaluation.
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The strategy leverages off any proactive measures established by the 54 LAC around the
state that coordinate a whole of community approach and partnership in tackling alcohol
related harm. By using the Harm index, RAZON is able to focus its resources and assist its
partners in reducing the impact of alcohol related harms to the community and individuals.
Research
A number of ongoing AOD research projects are funded by the Victorian Government. These
include:

Surveillance of AOD related ambulance attendances in Victoria

The Early Identification of Drug Harms Project, a bi-monthly survey of AOD services that
functions as an early warning device
The Youth Cohort Study was completed in 2012. This study followed a number of young
people over 18 months to explore the complex journey they make through the youth AOD
treatment system, and the impact this has on their AOD use in the long term.
Funding from the Victorian Law Enforcement Drug Fund (VLEDF) was used in 2012 to
commission a study of pharmaceutical opioid misuse by people who do not inject drugs in
order to better understand the scale and nature of opioid pharmaceutical misuse amongst
an under-researched population.
6
Queensland
6.1
Demand Reduction
6.1.1 Prevent uptake and delay onset of drug use
Quit Smoking Campaigns
Two quit smoking mass media campaigns were implemented in 2011-12. The 13QUIT
campaign was designed to promote the Quitline and encourage smokers with young families
to consider their smoking behaviour. The My Smoking campaign targeted 18 to 29 year olds
and featured a range of media using real young Queenslanders to encourage their peers to
think about their smoking and quitting.
Alcohol and Drug Education in Queensland Schools
The Queensland Department of Education, Training and Employment is committed to
educating young people about the risks associated with drug and alcohol use. The Drug
Education and Intervention in Schools procedure requires state schools to implement drug
education programs and provides guidance for decision-making regarding drug intervention
in schools.
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Aspects of health and personal development, including alcohol and drug education, are
embedded in the school curriculum across all stages of schooling to ensure a coordinated,
sequenced program. The selection and delivery of particular curriculum content is a schoolbased decision determined by the needs of the school community. In addition to resources
referenced on the Drug Education area of the Department’s website online curriculum
support is provided for state schools and teachers through the Health and Physical Education
Professional Learning Community online eLearning environment.
Through the Department’s new Learning and Wellbeing Framework, Queensland state
schools continue to work towards creating positive school cultures, providing strategies,
guidelines and links to information that can help maximize the work already being
undertaken to improve wellbeing among students.
Party Safe
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) Party Safe initiative provides party hosts, guests and
parents with resources and information on holding an enjoyable, safe and lawful party. It
also encourages and allows party hosts to register their party with their local police. This
ensures that if police are required to respond to calls for service related to the party they
have the information necessary to effectively deal with issues. During the 2011-12 financial
year there were 6,216 Party Safe registrations with the QPS.
During 2010 an independent external review of the Party Safe initiative was undertaken by
the University of Queensland. The Review was released in January 2011 and presented a
number of recommendations for improving the efficacy of Party Safe. These
recommendations have been considered and a large number implemented, including a
review of all the Party Safe resources, as well as the redevelopment and improvement of the
information provided on the Party Safe website (Queensland Police website). It is expected
that these promotional activities, including a stronger focus on online media, will raise
awareness of the Party Safe program and lead to an increase in the number of registered
parties. Subsequent to the implementation of the revised program in December 2011, the
following Party Safe resources have been distributed for delivery to the community,
including booklets (11,042), promotional posters (1,487), registered party posters (2,958),
information flyers (13,605) and wristbands (260,555).
Drink Rite
Drink Rite is a community engagement program delivered by the QPS that aims to promote a
responsible attitude towards drink driving and alcohol consumption. Information on how to
minimise alcohol-related harms and monitor alcohol consumption through increased
awareness of standard drink size is provided as part of the delivery of Drink Rite. The
program illustrates how much variation there is in the effects of alcohol between people in
order to promote safe drinking behaviour and reinforce the central message to the public
not to drink alcohol and drive. A Drink Rite event involves a standard drinks presentation and
the participation of patrons or audience members who will have the opportunity to drink
alcohol and be breath tested by a police officer. During this process the police facilitator(s)
discuss the results of the participants breath alcohol concentration testing and provide
information on alcohol consumption, standard drinks and drink driving.
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The Drink Rite program has been revised in response to an external review of the program,
finalised in early 2011 and conducted by the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety
(CARRS Q), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), titled ‘Where to After Drink Rite: an
evaluation of opportunities for police and community promotion of an anti-drink driving
message in the licensed venue setting’. The Modified Drink Rite program has been
developed and released, providing renewed focus on increasing community engagement
with the police, an increase in participant size and the number of events held annually, as
well as a new standard drinks presentation. As part of this revised program twenty Drink Rite
Kits have been developed and delivered to the regions, ensuring standardised delivery of the
Drink Rite program state-wide. The Drink Rite Program can now also be delivered anywhere
and is no longer restricted to a licensed venue setting.
Good Sports Program - Queensland
The Good Sports Program, managed by the Australian Drug Foundation, is funded to support
responsible management of alcohol practices in Queensland community-based sporting
clubs with the aim of contributing to changing the drinking culture and reducing harm for
patrons and members. During 2011-12 568 clubs participated in the program in Queensland.
Additional funding was provided for the Good Sports Alcohol Harm Minimisation Program
through the National Drug Strategy Law Enforcement Funding Committee (NDSLEFC) to the
Australian Drug Foundation Queensland (ADFQ). The aim of the project was to increase
educational opportunities to local sporting clubs and volunteers through a number of
diverse avenues including Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Training; Alcohol & Sports
Community Forums; and a Sport Associations Training & Education Workshop. Good Sports
facilitated 48 RSA courses throughout Queensland. Twelve Alcohol and Sport Forums have
been held since April 2011 with topics in these forums ranging from alcohol management,
alcohol and its effects on athletes, nutrition, effects of alcohol, and liquor licensing
requirements. Good Sports Queensland also facilitated a State Sports Organisation workshop
in May 2012. All sports organisations that attended have indicated a commitment to
promoting the Good Sports program in their community sports clubs and progress has been
made to consolidate this commitment through formal agreements.
Weed it Out
Funded by the Department of Health and Ageing, the Weed it Out project aims to reduce the
harms associated with cannabis use in Indigenous communities in Cape York and the Torres
Strait. The objectives of the project are to change community attitudes to cannabis use and
implement crime prevention and supply reduction strategies.
The ‘Weed It Out’ Project is partnered with the James Cook University’s Cape York Cannabis
Project which is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The
main objective of this project is to encourage a reduction in the demands of cannabis using
awareness-raising, community surveys and feedback of information in selected Cape York
communities. The ‘Weed it Out’ project received a continuance of funding for the 2012-13
financial year, and an evaluation of the program is due to be released at the end of 2013.
‘Weed it Out’ received an Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award, which
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recognises good practice in the prevention or reduction of violence and other types of crime
in Australia, in 2011.
6.1.2 Reduce use of drugs in the community
Alcohol Management Reform (AMR) program
The AMR program is a whole of Government response to addressing alcohol misuse in the
discrete Indigenous communities in Queensland. The program commenced on 1 July 2008
and is led by the Department of Communities Child Safety and Disability Services and
involves Queensland Health, Queensland Police and the Department of Justice and AttorneyGeneral.
The AMR programs convey culturally sensitive messages about changing social norms
through a combination of: increasing community participation, increasing access to service
delivery, capacity building through education and fostering collaboration.
Between Jul 2011 to Jun 2012, 22,797 episodes of care were provided by the funded AMR
health service providers. This included:

2,597 counseling interventions;

3,580 opportunistic interventions in non-clinical settings;

72 clients completed detoxification;

164 were referred for rehabilitation;

2,102 received a brief clinical intervention; and

2,366 received information and education to assist them address their alcohol and drug
issue.
The other clinical contact included larger group work and group education with members of
the discrete communities.
Closing the Gap (CTG) program
In 2009, COAG signed the CTG in Indigenous Health Outcomes National Partnership
Agreement (NPA) which committed the Queensland Government to a co-contribution of
$162.22 million over four years for new Indigenous health programs and services.
The NPA addressed targets set by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), including
funding to provide treatment and outreach services for 'at risk' Indigenous youth. The
Indigenous Youth Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services were established to primarily
target the priority area of “Healthy Transition to Adulthood” and to deliver services as part
of a regional network of integrated culturally sensitive Youth Alcohol and other Drug
treatment responses. The network is progressively being developed over 8 sites: 4
Queensland Health locations and 4 NGO locations. As of 30 June 2012, 5 locations have
commenced outreach and treatment services for at risk Indigenous youth on the Gold Coast,
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Cherbourg, Townsville, Mt Isa and Cairns with Brisbane, Rockhampton and Roma planned to
come on line in 2012-13. In the last financial year 379 occasions of service have been
provided to at risk Indigenous young people across the locations.
Police Drug Diversion Program (PDDP)
The PDDP diverts people who have committed a minor drug offence involving cannabis from
the criminal justice system and offers people access to a professional health intervention.
The intervention provides education about the wide-ranging effects and consequences of
cannabis use. In 2011-12, 7039 attended a Drug Diversion Assessment Program with a health
service provider, after being offered Police Drug Diversion.
As at 30 June 2012, 78,646 sessions had been provided under the Police Drug Diversion
Program since program commencement in 2001.
Illicit Drugs Court Diversion Program
The Queensland Illicit Drugs Court Diversion Program was piloted in 2003 and rolled out
across all Queensland Magistrates and Children’s Magistrates Courts in 2005. Magistrates in
the courts are permitted to sentence eligible and consenting people pleading guilty to
offences of possession of a small quantity of drugs and/or utensils to attend a Drug
Assessment and Education Session. In 2011-12, 3562 attended a Drug Assessment and
Education Session with a health service provider, following referral from the Illicit Drugs
Court Diversion Program.
As at 30 June 2012, 31,043 sessions had been provided under the Illicit Drugs Court
Diversion Program since program commencement in 2003.
Queensland Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (QMERIT)
The QMERIT Program has been operating since mid-2006. It is a pre-sentence diversion
program for offenders at an early stage in the criminal justice process who have been
charged with a drug-related offence. In 2011-12, 105 people completed the QMERIT
program. A total of 512 have completed the program since it commenced in 2006.
Queensland Drug Court Program
The Queensland Drug Court Program is a State funded whole of Government program
governed by the Drug Court Act 2000 and delivered in five locations around Queensland.
Drug Courts aim to help offenders overcome their drug dependence and associated criminal
behaviour through court enforced and supervised rehabilitation programs. In 2011-12, 20
people graduated from the Queensland Drug Court Program. As at 30 June 2012, a total of
417 people have graduated from the program since it commenced in 2000. The Government
has indicated that this program will be ceased by the end of December 2012.
Workplace Quit Smoking Program
This program is implemented as part of the Queensland Workplaces for Wellness Initiative
funded under the National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health (Healthy Workers).
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In 2011-12, 35 workplaces participated in the program with 1167 registrations from
employees (including 62 from partners, spouses and immediate family members of
participating workers). The majority of registrations were received from male (73%) workers
in the Transport Industry (31%). On average participants were 41 years of age. Of 101
participants who completed Evaluation 1 (3 months after program completion), 55% were
not smoking.
Indigenous Smoking Prevention
The SmokeCheck Brief Intervention Training Program trained 327 frontline health
professionals in 31 locations across Queensland to deliver culturally competent quit smoking
interventions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. One hundred and fifty-five
Indigenous sporting and cultural community events and activities were funded to promote
positive smoke-free community messages with a focus on young people.
A Cultural Competence Learning and Development Plan for Quitline counsellors was
developed and incorporated into Quitline counsellor training and service delivery and six
new Indigenous counselors were recruited.
There were 140 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders in custody who participated
in an intensive quit smoking program achieving a 43% quit rate at 4 weeks and a 33% quit
rate at 12 weeks.
Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Programs
Prisoners in Queensland’s publicly operated correctional centres continue to have access to
smoking cessation support, including nicotine replacement therapy which is delivered by
Queensland Health, formerly through Offender Health Services.
Opioid Replacement Therapy, in the form of buprenorphine, is available to female prisoners
who were on an opioid replacement program prior to entering custody and who are either
sentenced to a period of imprisonment less than twelve months or who are pregnant.
Prisoners can access peer support programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics
Anonymous, which deliver programs in correctional centres.
For sentenced prisoners or offenders on community based orders, who have a history of
drug and alcohol issues which is linked to their offending behaviour, QCS delivers a range of
criminogenic programs, including:

Getting SMART, a moderate intensity substance abuse program run over 12 sessions which
uses cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) techniques;

Pathways, a high intensity substance abuse program run three times a week over 20 weeks
in correctional centres; and

Smart Recovery, substance abuse maintenance groups, which is available to prisoner and
offenders who have completed either Getting SMART or Pathways. It supports participants
to apply CBT techniques to maintain their abstinence.
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6.1.3 Support people to recover from dependence and reconnect with the
community
Improve access to Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services
In financial year 2011-12 Queensland Health Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Services
(ATODS) saw an increase of 28.8 per cent in number of closed treatment episodes (from
19,651 to 25,315). This increase can be partially attributed to an increase in user compliance
following a campaign of training for data system users. The main principal drug of concern
was alcohol (35 per cent of Treatment Episodes) followed by Cannabis (23 per cent) and
Heroin (12.21 per cent). The high percentage of Cannabis listed as principal drug of concern
can be attributed to the Queensland Police and Court Diversion Initiative, where the
majority of clients list Cannabis as their principal drug of concern.
The highest percentage of referrals to ATODS came from Self referral (39.5 per cent),
Community Corrections (9.15 per cent), Police Diversion (8.56 per cent) and Court Diversion
(7.49 per cent).
Queensland Indigenous Alcohol Diversion Program (QIADP)
The QIADP was delivered in Rockhampton (servicing Woorabinda), Townsville (servicing
Palm Island) and Cairns (servicing Yarrabah). Under this program 48 Health Workers
provided clinical and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients who
have been charged with an offence where alcohol has been a contributing factor, and for
parents whose alcohol use makes them unable to adequately protect their children. QIADP
involves 4 stages: detoxification, intensive treatment, rehabilitation/recovery and aftercare.
The latter two stages of the program aim to help participants re-connect to their
communities and families in a number of different and culturally appropriate ways.
As at June 2012, 972 people had formally commenced treatment in the QIADP since it
started in 2007 (225 people have graduated from the program of which 202 people entered
into aftercare).
In 2011-12 there was an increase in the numbers of clients screened (from 220 to 241) and
clients eligible for assessment (from 199 to 211). However, a reduction was seen in the
numbers for new clients (from 228 to 187), clients who completed a full assessment (from
164 to 135) and clients who graduated from the program (from 60 to 40). A significant
contribution to these declining figures have been declining referrals from the Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Legal Service and the closure of residential rehabilitation services in
Cairns and Rockhampton. The Government has indicated that this program will be ceased by
the end of December 2012.
Drug and Alcohol Brief Intervention Teams (DABIT)
DABIT operate in the emergency departments at Royal Brisbane and Women’s, Cairns Base
and Gold Coast Hospitals. DABIT provides acute brief interventions in the Emergency
Departments to patients regarding their substance use. In financial year 2011-2012 DABIT
services provided assessments and brief interventions to 8,136 presentations. Emergency
Departments continue to report a decrease in violence during service hours.
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6.1.4 Support efforts to promote social inclusion and resilient individuals,
families and communities
Which Way Our Way Program
Which Way Our Way: A Strong Community Way is a program that uses an overarching
culturally appropriate communication strategy and funds local activities to help build
community connectedness, community resilience, individual and community pride and
cultural identity in order to reduce demand for alcohol and other drugs. In 2011-12 funding
was provided to 11 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities to implement ‘strong
community’ initiatives. Research was also undertaken in four North Queensland
communities to assess the ongoing relevance of communication messages which were found
to still have strong resonance with community members.
Youth Drug and Alcohol Services
Dovetail, established in 2009, provides free professional support and clinical advice to
workers, services and communities across Queensland who engage with young people
affected by alcohol and other drug use.
In the financial year 2011-2012 Dovetail provided:

58 training sessions and conference presentations

214 individual requests for clinical advice and support

26,393 hits on their website which provides a wide range of youth AOD news, information
and clinical resources.
Funding was also allocated to 10 youth services within the Non-Government and
Government sector to enable those organisations to better work with young people with
alcohol and other drug issues.
Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Reintegration Support Model
In recognition of international and national research that acknowledges that facilitating an
offender's successful resettlement in the community is an important means of reducing
recidivism, QCS provides three services under the Reintegration Support Model which assist
sentenced prisoners to plan for their release as follows:

individualised reintegration needs assessment to low risk prisoners with low reintegration
support needs.

provided through one-on-one sessions with the transitions coordinator located in each
correctional centre

focuses on the provision of information and referral to assist the prisoner’s successful
community reintegration.

may include information and referral to services to assist the prisoner to remain drug free.
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The Transitions Program provides structured group sessions to prisoners who are assessed
as having a high risk of reoffending and/or significant reintegration needs. The program
includes five core modules which support participants to develop an individual reintegration
plan for successful community resettlement upon release. Further elective modules are also
provided according to an individual’s identified needs and these modules are co-facilitated
by community based agencies and other government departments. One of the elective
modules is Breaking Habits (dealing with addiction).
The Offender Reintegration Support Service (ORSS) is available to prisoners with significant
integration needs who have participated in either the Transition Support Service or the
Transitions Program. Funded by QCS and delivered through contracted non-government
organisations, ORSS provides transitions support to prisoner from up to nine months before
release until up to six months post release. ORSS workers provide support to prisoners to
access a range of services and appropriate accommodation in the community.
6.2
Supply Reduction
6.2.1 Reduce the supply of illegal drugs (both current and emerging)
Supply Reduction in Correctional Facilities
Queensland Corrective Services continue to implement supply reduction strategies to
prevent drugs from entering correctional centres. These strategies include barrier detection,
use of drug detection dogs and trace detection devices, searches of mail, visitors, staff and
searches of prisoners upon reception or return to secure custody following escort or
transfer.
Supply reduction strategies - Queensland Police Service
During this reporting period the QPS has continued to focus on supply reduction strategies
to reduce the harms associated with illicit drug use. The QPS commits significant resources
and effort to targeting criminals involved in the production, manufacture, trafficking and
distribution of dangerous drugs. This involves a continued focus on increasing and improving
enforcement targeting cultivation, manufacture and trafficking of illicit drugs and tracking
the financial proceeds arising from these activities. The QPS contributes to state and
national drug strategies through representation on a number of committees and working
groups which focus on reducing the harms associated with drug use. These include the
Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs (IGCD) and its relevant standing committees, the
Precursor Advisory Group (PAG), the National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund
(NDLERF), and associated Project Reference Groups.
The State Drug Investigation Unit (SDIU) is a specialist investigative unit attached to State
Crime Operations Command, which has responsibility for conducting and assisting in
investigations of serious drug offences. SDIU continues to maintain and develop effective
working partnerships to develop cross jurisdictional supply reduction strategies with state,
national and international partner law enforcement agencies for the purposes of targeting
serious and organised drug related crime.
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A number of significant investigations conducted by the QPS during 2011-12 demonstrate
the work of SDIU and the importance of collaboration and partnerships with relevant
regulatory and law enforcement agencies in reducing the supply of illegal drugs. These
include:

Operation Juliet Stripe in which three persons involved in the distribution of large quantities
of cannabis and other drugs were charged with seven offences including three charges of
Trafficking in Dangerous Drugs. During this operation drugs to the value of $1,182,500 were
seized with $137,000 assets restrained to date. During this operation 118kg of cannabis was
seized.

Operation Juliet Detonator was commenced by SDIU and was a joint operation with the AFP
and Australian Customs and Border Protection, with assistance also provided from the New
Zealand Drug Squad. In excess of 16kg of cocaine valued at $4 million was seized during the
operation with a majority seized at the point of entry into Australia. Over $675,000 of cash
was seized and is pending proceeds/restraint action.

Operation Chance was a joint operation with the AFP and Australian Customs and Border
Protection in which 77kg of cocaine valued at approx $20 million was seized in Mackay. This
Operation dismantled a regional based drug network with international connections and
removed a significant quantity of cocaine destined for the Queensland community.

Operation Ice Warplane commenced following information provided from the AFP and
Australian Customs and Border Protection. Approximately 1kg of cocaine valued at approx
$300,000 was seized when identified in packages through the mail. Three persons were
charged with 56 offences including 22 offences of drug importation.
SDIU maintains strategic partnerships with key agencies including industry representatives
such as pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, as well as
transport companies involved in the supply chain of precursors and pharmaceuticals. These
networks strengthen collaboration to prevent the diversion of precursor chemicals into the
manufacture of illicit drugs. Cooperation and collaboration with regulatory agencies
including Queensland Health and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and state and national
law-enforcement agencies remains a primary focus for SDIU. During this reporting period,
the SDIU has had significant success in preventing the diversion of precursor chemicals into
the manufacture of illicit drugs. In 2011-12, information identified from the Project Stop
database led to the inception of 88 investigations involving suspicious pseudoephedrine
purchases. A total of 379 clandestine illicit drug laboratories were located and seized by
police in 2011-12 as a result of proactive investigative strategies targeting illicit drug
production throughout Queensland. This represents an increase from 293 in the 2010-11
financial year.
In Queensland the detection of drug affected drivers is an important component in reducing
the road toll and preventing injuries caused by traffic accidents. Drivers are currently tested
for the presence of cannabis, MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and
methylamphetamine as part of the Roadside Drug Testing Program. During this reporting
period, 22,662 roadside blood or saliva tests were conducted by police, 850 drivers tested
positive for a relevant drug, which equates to a ‘detection rate’ of one offender per 27 tests.
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Of the three substances currently tested for as part of the program the most commonly
detected drug was methylamphetamine.
Legislative Amendments
A number of legislative amendments were introduced during this reporting period to ensure
the ongoing and timely review of legislation and regulation to reflect the dynamic nature of
illegal drug markets and manufacture. In response to ongoing concerns regarding emerging
psychoactive substances, legislative amendments to the Drugs Misuse Act (1986) (DMA) and
the Drugs Misuse Regulation (1987) (DMR) were introduced in Queensland. In September
2011, fifteen substances were included into Schedule 2 (dangerous drugs) of the DMR. This
amendment included a range of novel and synthetic drugs together with three
cannabinoidomimetic compounds.
In November 2011 an additional 19 cannabinoidomimetic compounds were included into
Schedule 2 (Dangerous Drugs) of the DMR. The QPS continues to remain committed to
reviewing and updating legislation in response to this evolving drug market.
Queensland Police Service Drug Seminar
To ensure that officers are equipped to respond to the ever evolving illicit drug market, the
QPS held the inaugural Queensland Drug Seminar in February 2012. The theme of the
seminar was ‘Building Local Capacity to Respond to Global Drug Trends’. Representatives
from interstate and international law enforcement agencies and government departments
were bought together with SDIU and regional police to discuss drug related issues and
develop effective strategies aimed at enhancing the capacity of the QPS to respond to drug
related crimes and minimize community harm.
The Seminar addressed matters regarding the prevalence of traditional drugs such as
amphetamines, cannabis and cocaine as well as new and emerging synthetic drug trends.
There was also a focus on trends in production and distribution of these substances as well
as the use of precursor chemicals in the production of illicit drugs. A strong component of
the seminar highlighted the proactive strategies being undertaken by police and partner
agencies in this field, as well as the provision of information regarding the identification of
emerging drugs and manufacturing techniques.
6.2.2 Control and manage the supply of alcohol, tobacco and other legal drugs
Tobacco Legislation
Amendments to Queensland tobacco laws banned the retail display of smoking and related
products from 18 November 2011. Ongoing surveillance operations targeting sale and supply
of tobacco to minors were conducted by Queensland Health with 30 breaches of regulations
confirmed during 2011-12.
Liquor Enforcement and Proactive Strategies (LEAPS)
The QPS operates the Liquor Enforcement and Proactive Strategies (LEAPS) Program state
wide. It provides training, resources and funding to support operational police to reduce
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alcohol-related harms in and around licensed premises. During this time period standardised
state-wide training materials were developed to help facilitate a five day LEAPS ‘Train the
Trainer course including a facilitator’s guide, participant’s manual and presentation
materials. During this period a three day course ‘A guide to Enforcement of Liquor Act
Offences for Police Officers’ was also developed which provides police with information
regarding legislation, policy and procedures relevant to the enforcement of the Liquor Act
1992 and other related legislation.
In partnership with the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) an online temporary
liquor licensing process has been developed to meet an identified area of need. A trial was
commenced in early 2012, with a further suite of applications to be incorporated during the
forthcoming twelve month period.
The State LEAPS Coordinator provides support and advice to regional LEAPS coordinators
and trainers who deliver liquor enforcement training to frontline operational police. The
development of a Liquor Enforcement Online Learning Product to enhance training and
responses to liquor enforcement related issues has been commenced.
6.3
Harm Reduction
6.3.1 Reduce harms to community safety and amenity
Queensland Needle and Syringe Program (NSP)
In 2011-12, 140 individual health services provided access to NSPs and distributed 7,924,015
needles and syringes. The Nineteen primary NSP sites account for 80 per cent of all injecting
equipment distributed in Queensland.
Prevalence of HIV infection among Injecting Drug Users (IDU) in Queensland continues to be
low at 1.5 per cent, while Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) has declined from a peak of 60 per cent in
2007, to 43 per cent in 2011.
Since 1999 the percentage of injectors in Queensland aged 25 or under has consistently
declined from 41per cent of IDU to 11 per cent in 2011. Over the same time the median age
of IDU has risen from 26 to 35 years old.
Reducing Alcohol and Drug Related Harm on Queensland Roads
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has carried out the following activities
to reduce alcohol and drug related harms in financial year 2011-12:

Ongoing operation of Queensland’s Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program (first interlock
installed in the vehicle of a drink driver returning from disqualification was in February
2011). The Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program requires that all drivers who commit a high
level of repeat drink driving offence on or after 6 August 2010 may only legally drive
after their disqualification period if their vehicle is fitted with an approved alcohol
ignition interlock. By the end of June 2012, approximately 1300 alcohol ignition
interlocks had been fitted
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


in July 2011 the introduction of a ‘middle alcohol’ offence for drivers that return a breath
or blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than or equal to 0.10 but less that 0.15,
with higher penalties applying than for ‘general alcohol’ drink driving offences (where
the limit is 0.05 BAC)
a lowered threshold for immediate licence suspension for drink driving offences (from
0.15 to 0.10 BAC)
amendments to legislation to assist rural and remote police officers in the detection and
prosecution of drink driving offenders, including the extension from two to three hours
of the period in which an evidentiary specimen of breath or blood can be taken from a
driver suspected of having a BAC of over 0.10, and provision to allow arresting officers to
operate a breath analysing instrument without the need for a second officer to be
present.
Drink Safe Precincts
In response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Alcohol-related Violence in Queensland, Drink
Safe Precincts were introduced as a two year trial to reduce alcohol-related violence in the
key entertainment precincts of Surfers Paradise, Townsville and Fortitude Valley. After a
recent extension the trial is due for completion in early 2013. As part of this trial a suite of
strategies were implemented within these three precincts including increased police
numbers during peak times, more support services, better supervised taxi zones and the
creation of special safe zones. During the 2011-2012 financial year, 35,019 additional police
hours have been worked in the precincts with a 6,641 arrests made. Police also intervened
on over 7,324 occasions to prevent conflict and issued 2,611 move-on directions during this
time period.
Operation Unite
Operation Unite is a joint initiative of Police Commissioners from across Australia and New
Zealand. It demonstrates the united determination of police to challenge alcohol misuse,
crime, violence and anti-social behaviour. A two-day national campaign was conducted in
December 2011, with all QPS regions involved in the operations. Over 1,650 uniformed and
plain-clothed police officers patrolled liquor precincts across Queensland during this period.
In Queensland during the December 2011 campaign, police arrested 285 people and issued
306 Notices to Appear for a total of 760 charges. More than 10,000 random breath tests
were conducted, with 141 drivers detected drink driving.
Project CLAWS
Project CLAWS (Clandestine Laboratory Awareness Sessions), funded through the
Community Crime Prevention Fund, is aimed at addressing the increasing number of drug
laboratories detected in Queensland. Delivered by SDIU, the project aims to improve
community and workforce awareness of the health dangers of clandestine laboratories and
the need for remediation of sites. The project is delivered state-wide with a view to
increasing community and workforce awareness to identify the presence of drug
laboratories, thereby minimizing risk of harm to the community while ensuring property
security. The project aims to educate key stakeholders, including real estate agents and
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property managers on clandestine laboratory awareness, including the indicators of a drug
laboratory and what to do should they locate or suspect a drug laboratory.
6.3.2 Reduce harms to families
Child Safety Services
The Department of Communities Child Safety and Disability Services funds a diverse range of
services across the continuum of child protection services aimed at supporting children and
families and reducing the incidence of harm to children. There are currently 83 nongovernment organizations working with child safety to deliver 279 services or programs to
children and their families. In 2011-12, $76.6 million was allocated to a range of family
support services ($19.8 million for tertiary and $55.8 million for secondary services). This
included the following services:

120 Targeted Support for Families

50 Family Intervention Services

11 Referral for Active Intervention Services (RAI) and 12 RAI Ancillary Services

3 Helping Out Families sites

9 Specialist Counseling Services and

11 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Support Service.
Alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) brief intervention online training program
In 2011-12, Queensland Health implemented an online brief intervention training program
designed to increase the skills and confidence of midwives, child health nurses and other
clinicians to incorporate ATOD brief intervention into their routine care of maternity clients.
Parents under Pressure (PuP) Program
The PuP program combines psychological principles relating to parenting, child behavior and
parental emotion regulation within a case management model. The program is home-based
and designed for families in which there are many difficult life circumstances that impact on
family functioning. Such problems may include depression and anxiety, substance misuse,
family conflict and severe financial stress. The overarching aim of the PuP program is to help
parents facing adversity develop positive and secure relationships with their children.
In financial year 2011-12 nine Queensland Health staff were trained as PuP therapists. As of
30 June 2012 there were 35 PuP therapists employed by ATODS who were either fully
accredited or were undergoing accreditation. The breakdown is as follows: four PuP
Supervisors; 12 Accredited PuP Therapists; 20 Therapists in Training - yet to receive
accreditation.
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6.3.3 Reduce harms to individuals
Activities of the Drugs of Dependence Unit (DDU)
The Queensland Health DDU monitoring shows continued increases in the misuse of
prescribed pharmaceutical opioid (Schedule 8) drugs. The DDU operates a database that
records prescriptions (including morphine, oxycodone, pethidine etc) on a central database
known as Monitoring of Drugs of Dependence System (MODDS).
The DDU engaged in regulatory compliance activities and public health interventions to
improve the appropriate use of these drugs in the community. The DDU monitored known
drug-dependent patients and persons engaged in ‘doctor shopping’ activities; provided a 24
hour enquiry service to health professionals to assist in the treatment of patients requiring
prescription opioids; and continued to work closely with pain and addiction medicine
specialists to improve the treatment of patients requiring prescription opioids to reduce the
harms associated with these medications. Staff from the DDU have been actively involved in
the development of the National Pharmaceutical Drug Misuse Strategy and will continue to
be involved in the implementation of the strategy.
The DDU has over the last 12 months worked with the local General Practice Divisions to
make General Practitioners aware of the problems associated with pharmaceutical opioids
particularly Fentanyl misuse. Regular fax-outs are distributed by the Divisions to GP’s to
ensure they are aware of the problems along with suggestions for GP’s on dealing with
patients exhibiting drug seeking behaviors.
The DDU has also been responsible for the updating of the Queensland Opioid Treatment
Program: Clinical Guidelines 2012 and for continuing to support both the public and private
sector in the administration and monitoring of the Queensland Opioid Treatment Program
(QOTP). Prescriber training for the QOTP has continued with over 90 medical practitioners
participating in the last 12 months. There has been ongoing development across the state of
a ‘shared-care’ model for stable opioid dependent patients on QOTP with almost 50 patients
moved from a clinic situation to a General Practice setting for ongoing treatment.
Harm Reduction in Correctional Facilities
Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) screens prisoners upon reception into custody for
blood borne virus infections (BBVI). Prisoners are provided with pre and post testing
counselling and information on how to prevent the transmission of disease. Prisoners are
also offered Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations. Under the QCS Drug and Alcohol Policy
prisoners have access to disinfectants and microbial agents to reduce the spread of BBVI.
Workplace Health and Safety Initiatives
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) is partnering with Queensland Health to
deliver the Healthy Workers Initiative. The Healthy Workers Initiative aims to reduce chronic
disease risk in Queensland workers, including a focus on the reduction of risky alcohol
consumption. As part of this initiative WHSQ has launched a 'Health and wellbeing in the
workplace' web site. The web site includes information about the workplace impacts of poor
85
health behaviours and provides information to assist businesses to respond to health issues
in the workplace.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) also have multiple strategies to assist
with creating a workplace of zero harm, in particular in the area of alcohol and drug use
impacting the ability for employees to conduct their duties safely. These strategies include:

Tool Box Talks (Drugs and Alcohol and Drink Wise)

Zero Harm health and safety calendar (Men’s Health and effects of Alcohol)

Executive Health and other Wesley Health programs which includes alcohol advice

TMR Road Travel Safety procedure that provides guidance including advice that employees
are not to drive under the influence of alcohol, medication or other drugs that may affect
the level of alertness

participation with industry and universities in the research project Sustainable Built
Environment – safety impacts of alcohol and other drugs in construction, to improve
awareness and tools in recognizing and treating impaired performance caused by drug and
alcohol use.
Queensland Early Intervention Pilot Project
The Queensland Early Intervention Pilot Project (QEIPP) is designed to promote awareness
among young people and their families regarding the potential harms (physical and social)
associated with binge drinking, the serious nature of these potential harms and strategies to
avoid alcohol-related harm. Since the launch of QEIPP on the 1 October 2010, 2,913
Notifications and Alcohol Education Information Awareness Packages and 6,005 standard
information brochures were delivered. In addition 5,157 Parent-Young Person information
brochures and 1,782 information brochures for 17 year olds have been disseminated.
Furthermore 187 people have been referred to an Alcohol Education Information Awareness
Session delivered by qualified health practitioners. Statistics to date indicate that in 85% of
cases where the family is provided an Alcohol Education Information Awareness Package the
young persons have not come back to the attention of police officers again in relation to
QEIPP street checks.
7
Western Australia
7.1
Demand Reduction
7.1.1 Prevent uptake and delay onset of drug use
The Drug and Alcohol Office (DAO) developed and implemented Drug Aware campaigns
aimed to prevent and delay the onset of harmful alcohol and other drug use and to increase
awareness of treatment and support services. The Drug Aware campaigns for 2011/12
included Amphetamine Prevention, Drug Driving, Ecstasy Prevention and Cannabis
86
Prevention. In addition, DAO developed and implemented the first Cannabis Campaign in
Western Australia to target users to quit cannabis.
DAO implemented three phases of the Alcohol. Think Again Campaign, including a new
phase of the Alcohol and Cancer campaign and the development of a new Alcohol and
Pregnancy campaign. DAO successfully sought COAG funding to expand the Strong Spirit
Strong Mind: Metro and Strong Spirit Strong Future: Healthy Women and Pregnancy projects,
which included targeted media campaigns.
The Night Venues and Entertainment Events Campaign was also implemented, and was
complemented with the Night Venues and Entertainment Events observational assessments
in regional areas including the Kimberley, Pilbara, Midwest and Southwest.
DAO continued to coordinate the Drug and Alcohol Strategic Senior Officers’ Group
(DASSOG). DASSOG consists of senior representatives from the key human and social
services State Government departments to coordinate and guide government sector
strategy, development and implementation of alcohol and other drug policy and services in
Western Australia.
Key achievements of DASSOG included the development of the support plans to the Drug
and Alcohol Interagency Strategic Framework for Western Australia 2011-2015. The Alcohol,
Illicit Drug, Volatile Substance Use, and Capacity Building, Coordination and Monitoring
Support Plans highlight the main objectives and supporting initiatives that will be pursued
across the sector over the next four years to prevent and respond to problematic alcohol
and other drug use.
DAO conducted the Aboriginal Alcohol and other Drug Worker Training Program, CHC30101
Certificate III in Community Services Work and will commence implementation of the new
CHC41702 Certificate IV in Aboriginal Alcohol and Other Drug Worker training in 2012/13.
Twelve participants graduated in February 2012 with nine participants receiving their
Certificate III qualification and three participants finalising competency requirements, and
five workers from the Aboriginal Alcohol and Drug Service graduated in May 2012.
7.1.2 Reduce use of drugs in the community
During 2011/12, additional alcohol and other drug management plans and groups were
established in Collie, Manjimup and Kununurra/Wyndham and existing plans were
maintained in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Great Southern and Midwest regions.
Comprehensive six and 12-month reports into the effect of liquor restrictions in
Kununurra/Wyndham were conducted, as well as a 24-month report into the effect of the
liquor restrictions in Halls Creek.
DAO provided increased access to services via the growth of the ‘LIVECHAT’ (real time
counselling support via the Drug Aware website) service. Inbound emails increased by 195
per cent over the previous reporting year.
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Twenty five new Community Pharmacotherapy prescribers were trained during the 2011/12
financial year and 38 prescribers were reauthorized, to maintain and where possible expand
community program for opioid pharmacotherapy.
7.1.3 Support people to recover from dependence and reconnect with the
community
Call rates to the Alcohol Drug and Information Service (ADIS) increased and were at the
highest recorded levels. There was a 10.9 per cent increase in call rates over the 2010/11
year, with a component of that attributed to an approximate 55 per cent growth in contacts
with Aboriginal people.
21,190 episodes of care were provided (excluding sobering up centres) in Western Australia,
with 77 per cent completed as planned (or client still engaged in treatment).
Admission rates to Next Step Inpatient Withdrawal Services remained high with 583
admissions in 2011/2012. 78 per cent of clients completed treatment as planned.
Integrated services in the metropolitan area were further developed and expanded. The
South East Community Drug Service (CDS) is now fully integrated based at a single site and
Next Step medical and nursing staff are based there full time.
An additional $4.36 million funding was provided to all eligible not-for-profit community
service contracts in the alcohol and other drug sector as part of the 15 per cent price
adjustment by the Western Australian Government to support a sustainable not-for-profit
sector.
Procurement was finalised for new treatment and support services worth $15 million over
four years in the Kimberley and Pilbara.
The establishment of the Royalties for Regions-funded Carnarvon Dual Purpose Centre also
progressed during 2011/12. Milestones reached included agreement on the location,
securing the land for the Centre, and appointing the project manager and architect.
DAO also established the Transitional Housing and Support Program for people transitioning
back into the community following their residential treatment. Under the program, 15 new
homes will be established across the state and 13 of these houses were secured by 30 June
2012 (in Broome, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and the Metropolitan area).
On 1 August 2011, the Cannabis Control Act 2003 (WA) was repealed and a new conditional
cautioning system for minor cannabis offenders came into effect under the Misuse of Drugs
Act 1981 (WA). The main changes from the previous Cannabis Infringement Notice (CIN)
scheme to the new Cannabis Intervention Requirement (CIR) scheme are; a lower limit for
cannabis possession from 30 grams to 10 grams; cannabis cultivation offences are not
eligible; cannabis offenders no longer have the option to pay a fine to expiate their offences;
and young persons (aged 14-17) are eligible for a CIR under the new scheme. CIR recipients
are required to attend a 1.5 hour Cannabis Intervention Session (CIS) with a trained drug
counsellor or elect action by a court. In the year 2011/12, WA Police issued 1310 CIRs.
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7.1.4 Support efforts to promote social inclusion and resilient individuals, families
and communities
DAO finalised the Strong Spirit Strong Mind – Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Framework for
Western Australia 2011-2015 and distributed the Framework throughout the AOD sector.
The Framework provides guidance to key stakeholders in delivering culturally secure
programs and Aboriginal ways of working.
DAO supported the Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies
(WANADA) to develop the Culturally Secure Accreditation Framework (CSAF), the first
culturally secure accreditation standard for the AOD sector in Australia.
Inclusive resources targeted to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities were
produced and disseminated, including CALD resources promoting the ADIS and the Parent
Drug Information Service (PDIS) and, in partnership with Women’s Health and Family
Services, a CD-ROM about AOD issues for migrant and refugee workers and CALD community
leaders.
DAO worked with three regional volatile substance use (VSU) working groups located in the
Goldfields and East Pilbara and East Kimberley to implement local volatile substance use
strategies to support local efforts to prevent and/or reduce VSU and to protect the health
and welfare of volatile substance users, their families and communities.
DAO conducted 158 workforce development training events with 2,678 participants,
including workers from Department for Child Protection, Department of Corrective Services,
Mental Health and WA Police.
WA Police continue to support the Early Intervention Pilot Program (EIPP) with the total
number of young people offered counseling growing to 540 over the 2 years of the program.
The WA EIPP will now continue until June 2013 after the Commonwealth approved an
extension to the program.
An independent evaluation of the WAEIPP has recently been completed and WA Police are
now considering the six recommendations from the report.
7.2
Supply Reduction
7.2.1 Reduce the supply of illegal drugs (both current and emerging)
DAO convened the Emerging Psychoactive Substances Review Group (EPSRG) to enhance the
monitoring of the emergence of new psychoactive substances. The EPSRG established a riskbased regimen to identify emerging psychoactive substances, and continued to explore ways
of streamlining how these substances are dealt with and availability is controlled into the
future under existing legislation.
DAO supported the implementation of the Cannabis Intervention Requirement Scheme
which came into effect on 1 August 2011, following the repeal of the Cannabis Control Act
2003. Over the year, DAO continued to support WA Police, the Booking Service, Cannabis
89
Intervention Session (CIS) providers and the community to increase the number of Cannabis
Intervention Requirement (CIR) referrals and CIS attendance.
DAO provided operational support, including resource development and state-wide training
events, to Community Services Sector Organisations contracted to provide CIS, including a
range of Aboriginal specific service providers. Resources were also developed and
distributed targeting the Aboriginal community as part of the CIR Scheme initiative.
WA Police dismantled 161 clandestine drug laboratories in 2011-12. Also in 2011-12, WA
Police seized the following quantities of illicit drugs: cannabis 324.12 kilograms,
amphetamines 19.01 kilograms, ecstasy 1.74 kilograms, cocaine 190 grams and opiates 1.36
kilograms. The reduction in social costs to the community, associated with the seizure of this
quantity of illicit drugs, has been estimated at $154 mill.1
WA Police continue to participate in Project STOP, whereby pharmacy sales of all
pseudoephedrine (PSE) based medicines are reported in real time. The data collected from
Project STOP is now being used to actively target all levels of supply in relation to the
diversion of PSE to illicit amphetamine-type substance manufacture. Investigations into PSE
shoppers have resulted in manufacturing charges being laid under the Misuse of Drugs Act
(MDA).
WA Police operations targeting drugs, petrol and solvents along WA/SA/NT borders
continued in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Goldfield-Esperance Districts. Ongoing funding from
the Families, Housing, Community Services (FAHCSIA) and Indigenous Affairs National Office
is utilised to target drug and solvent dealers and users in these remote areas.
MDPV (methylenedioxypyrovalerone), an alkaloid designer drug of the phenethylamine
class, was banned in Western Australia from 11 February 2012 when it was added to
Schedule 9 of the WA Poisons Act 1964.
7.2.2 Control and manage the supply of alcohol, tobacco and other legal drugs
DAO monitored liquor licence applications and provided assistance to the Executive Director,
Public Health (EDPH) in matters regarding alcohol-related harm and ill-health. Between 1
July 2011 and 30 June 2012, of the 285 liquor licence applications received, 178 (62.4%)
were considered to possibly pose a risk of harm and warranted investigation. During this
period, 44 interventions were lodged by the EDPH.
WA Police continued specialist liquor enforcement operations targeting problematic licensed
premises resulted in disciplinary actions being taken against four licensees by the WA Liquor
Commission. WA Police intervened in 386 liquor licence applications to seek conditions on
the licence such as reduced hours, drink-limits and increased security. These conditions are
sought to minimize alcohol-related harms.
Estimates derived using “Working Estimates of the Social Costs per Gram and per User for Cannabis, Cocaine,
Opiates and Amphetamines”, Drug Policy Modelling Program, Monograph 14, UNSW, 2007. Please note: lower
estimate $41 mill, upper estimate $166 mill.
1
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WA Police continued to provide full support to Operation Unite, in December 2012. This
national action demonstrated the resolve of all Police Commissioners to reduce alcoholrelated violence and crime.
WA Police contributed towards a national research project on Patron Offending and
Intoxication in Night Time Entertainment Districts (POINTED) that has been funded by the
National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund (NDLERF). WA Police contributed to the
project reference group and negotiated with licensees to access to their premises as sites for
fieldwork and data collection. The project is due to report to NDLERF later in 2012.
7.3
Harm Reduction
7.3.1 Reduce harms to community safety and amenity
DAO continued to provide information, support and referrals to those Western Australian
communities implementing restricted area regulations under the Liquor Control Act 1988.
Restricted area regulations prohibit the bringing in of alcohol, and the possession and the
consumption of alcohol within the community. As at 30 June 2012, restricted areas were in
place in 15 Western Australian communities.
The Events Safety Group continued an ongoing events safety strategy to prevent alcohol and
drug related harm at events for implementation during the summer festival period. The
Group is comprised of the following agencies: DAO, WA Police, Environmental Health,
Department of Racing Gaming and Liquor, Department for Communities – Youth and the
Western Australian Local Government Association.
The Communicable Disease Control Directorate of the Public Health Division WA provided
DAO with funding for the Aboriginal Blood-borne Virus (BBV) Workforce Development
Project. The project provides culturally appropriate BBV and harm reduction workforce
development programs to workers in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations,
government and non-government agencies who provide services to Aboriginal people who
inject drugs. During 2011/12, over 109 participants attended training.
A needle and syringe program (NSP) e-learning package was produced by DAO in
collaboration with the WA Department of Health’s Communicable Disease Control
Directorate, Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Program.
The Director, Liquor Licensing (DLL), issued 26 Prohibition Orders in response to applications
by WA Police. These Prohibition Orders are issued against persons who represent a risk to
patrons frequenting licensed premises and the person may be prohibited from entering
and/or working in licensed premises for up to 5 years.
The Liquor Control Act (WA) enables the Commissioner of Police to issue Barring Notices that
prohibit a person from entering licensed premises for up to 12 months. Barring Notices can
be issued where a person has been violent, disorderly, engaged in indecent behaviour or
contravened any written law within licensed premises. In 2011-12, WA Police issued 232
Barring Notices.
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WA Police are progressing new drink driving legislation to come into effect 1 August 2012.
The new legislation will give police officers the power to immediately disqualify a driver’s
licence for two months if they blow 0.08 or over.
7.3.2 Reduce harms to families
The development of strategies to reduce short-term and long-term harmful drinking
continued, including detailed planning for a comprehensive three year parent and youth
community engagement strategy.
DAO developed and launched a new Alcohol and Pregnancy campaign No alcohol in
pregnancy is the safest choice in 2011/12, including television advertising, and a targeted
Strong Spirit Strong Future: Healthy Women and Pregnancy project.
DAO contributed to the development of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Model
of Care Implementation Plan, coordinated by the Department of Health. During 2011/12
DAO commenced membership of the FASD Project Control Group, and participated in both
the Primary Prevention and the Secondary Prevention Implementation Action Groups, with
the aim of implementing the FASD Model of Care recommendations across the service
continuum, with a specific focus on prevention.
Part 3 of the Liquor Control Amendment Act 2011 relating to Liquor Restricted Premises was
proclaimed on 8 October 2011. This introduced provisions enabling an owner or occupier of
a residential or non-residential premise to apply to the Director of Liquor Licensing to have
their premises declared a Liquor Restricted Premises for a specific period. This prohibits a
person from bringing liquor into, consuming or possessing liquor on a declared restricted
premise. WA Police officers have been working closely with owners/occupiers of premises in
developing applications to have them declared Liquor Restricted Premises.
As at July 2012, 52 applications for Liquor Restricted Premises in WA have been approved.
The majority of the applications have been in the north-west of the State. The feedback from
those granted is that the restrictions have been excellent and have had an enormous effect
on life at the home.
The Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill 2011 was passed and assented to in November 2011.
Key aspects that come into effect on 24 March 2012 include:
Changes to the way in which courts sentence a person convicted of:

Selling or supplying prohibited drugs and/or plants to a child,

Manufacturing or cultivating prohibited drugs or plants in circumstances which
endanger the life, health or safety of a child under the age of 16 years, or

Manufacturing or cultivating prohibited drugs or plants, or possessing Category 1 or 2
items (precursors), in circumstances which caused bodily harm to a child under the
age of 16 years.
These changes in sentencing for a) and b) include the defined penalties of:
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
suspended imprisonment;

conditional suspended imprisonment; or

a term of imprisonment.
The changes in sentencing for c) [and for subsequent offences under a) and b)] include a
mandatory term of imprisonment of 12 months and 6 months respectively.
The Multi Function Police Facilities (MFPFs) Stage One and Stage Two implementation have
been completed with the official opening of the Looma MFPF in May 2012. There are now 12
MFPFs in regional and remote W.A. Police officers at these MFPFs target alcohol, and other
drug use that significantly contribute to offending and anti-social behaviour. Coordinated
operations are often conducted within regional Western Australia districts and the
neighbouring States of South Australia and Northern Territory in an effort to prevent the
distribution of drugs, petrol and “sly grogging”.
7.3.3 Reduce harms to individuals
Diversion Programs participation increased for the 11th consecutive year. The focus on
consolidating and strengthening existing court drug diversion programs continued through
2011/2012. Supported by strong partnerships with the Department of the Attorney General
and Courts, DAO:
-
progressed the evaluation of the court based Pre-sentence Opportunity Program,
Supervised Treatment Intervention Scheme and the Indigenous Diversion Program;
-
convened an advisory group of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal stakeholders to
inform the development and implementation of strategies to increase Aboriginal
participation in WADP programs;
-
provided on site support to court based Diversion Officers in both metropolitan and
regional locations;
-
provided advice to government in relation to expanding the WA Diversion Program
to include offenders with alcohol related problems.
DAO continued to support WA Police and Cannabis Intervention Session (CIS) providers and
the community to increase the number of Cannabis Intervention Requirement (CIR) referrals
and CIS attendance, and a reduction in cannabis use.
DAO partnered with the Western Australian Substance Users Association to implement a
peer education program to respond to both amphetamine and opioid overdose.
The Next Step (metropolitan outpatient services) Hepatitis C clinic for clients continued to
run successfully with over 100 referrals received. As an outcome of the clinic, a total of 36
clients progressed on to treatment with 15 confirmed successful treatments. A further eight
clients are still awaiting confirmation results.
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8
South Australia
South Australian Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy 2011- 2016
The South Australian Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy 2011- 2016 was released on
24 November 2011. The new Strategy was developed following a review of the South
Australian Drug Strategy 2005-2010. The review was jointly led by SA Health (through Drug
and Alcohol Services South Australia) and South Australia Police, and involved a quantitative
analysis of data indicators and a qualitative analysis of the views of informants across the
South Australian Government.
8.1
Demand Reduction
8.1.1 Prevent uptake and delay onset of drug use
Alcohol intoxication campaign
The ‘Drink too much, you’re asking for trouble’ campaign ran between January and June
2012, improving awareness of the serious health, social and legal harms of drinking to
excess. The campaign used TV, radio, online, in-venue and outdoor advertising. Campaign
advertising during January and June 2012 had a focus on the West End of Adelaide to
support the State Government’s West End Safety Trial. The campaign has an accompanying
website (Information about Negative impacts of Drinking Too much on SA Health) and
Facebook page, which are promoted in campaign materials.
Surveys conducted following the campaign among the target audience showed:

an increased awareness of the serious harms of alcohol (44 per cent pre-campaign,
2011 to 60 per cent post-campaign, 2012).

acceptance of public drunkenness has decreased slightly (pre-campaign, in 2011,
47 per cent agreed that public drunkenness was unacceptable; this increased to 50
per cent post-campaign, 2012).
Tobacco social marketing
The high-intensity tobacco social marketing campaign that commenced in 2010-2011
continued in 2011-2012 to help reduce smoking prevalence amongst the general population.
The primary target audiences of the campaign were smokers aged 18-39 years from lower
socio-economic backgrounds and young smokers aged 15-29 from all socio-economic
backgrounds. The campaign was run in combination with the National Tobacco Campaign. A
significant reduction in smoking prevalence in SA between 2010 and 2011 was associated
with the first year of the SA high exposure campaign strategy.
“Give up smokes for good”
The Aboriginal-specific ‘Give up smokes for good’ campaign, which was launched in March
2011, used community-led social marketing whereby decisions were placed in the hands of
94
local communities. This resulted in a campaign about which the community feels positive.
Together, evaluation and anecdotal evidence suggested the campaign was positively viewed
by the Aboriginal community, with themes and artwork which were easily identifiable, and
recognised Aboriginal community-members featured in campaign materials. Evaluation
results for the pilot phase of the campaign indicated recall of and exposure to the campaign
was high. More than 70 per cent of those surveyed from the target audience expressed a
desire to quit and most had made some attempts in the last 12 months.
Aboriginal Alcohol Prevention Project
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia has contracted the Aboriginal Health Council of SA
to implement a three year project which seeks to strengthen the capacity of Aboriginal
communities to implement strategies which will contribute to the prevention of alcohol
problems. The project started in July 2011 and is funded until June 2014.
Drug education initiatives
The ‘Alcohol education: student and parent engagement 2012 initiative’ engaged 40 schools
across the three education sectors in evidence-based classroom alcohol education and
developed strategies for engaging parents and their children in conversations about alcohol.
The Drug Education Network, consisting of representatives from agencies who support
school drug education, meets regularly. Convened by the Department for Education and
Child Development (DECD), the cross-sector network aims to develop evidence-based good
practice in school drug education.
South Australian wastewater analysis project
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia has funded the University of South Australia for a
period of four years to analyse samples of wastewater for the presence and level of a range
of drugs (stimulants, opioids, cannabis and nicotine). The project aims to provide regular and
near ‘real-time’ epidemiologic data that will enable an estimation of the prevalence of drug
use in South Australia, as well as State, urban, regional and local drug use patterns.
Wastewater sampling commenced in December 2011 on a bi-monthly basis from
metropolitan wastewater treatment plants. Four sets of sampling and analysis have
occurred; December 2011, February, April and June 2012. Expansion of the sampling to
regional wastewater treatment plants will occur in 2013.
South Australia Police Illicit Drug Strategy
In 2008 a Management Group was established to guide implementation of the South
Australia Police Illicit Drug Strategy 2008-2011. The Management Group, comprising of
senior executives and specialist advisors holds quarterly meetings to discuss progress,
deliverables and future strategies in relation to illicit drug crime. The aim of the Strategy is
to ensure that the prevention of illicit drug use and drug related crime remains a priority for
South Australia Police. A major undertaking for the Management Group during the past year
has seen development of the next iteration of this strategic document.
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8.1.2 Reduce use of drugs in the community
Police Drug Diversion Initiative
Provisions in the Controlled Substances Act 1984 established this initiative in 2001 to
respond to increased prevalence of drug related offending and drug dependency among
criminal offenders. During the last financial year, police arranged for 2,797 simple drug
possession offenders to be diverted from the criminal justice system to attend drug
assessment and treatment. Since inception to the end of June 2012, this coordinated harm
minimisation approach to addressing illicit drug use has created 22,511 early intervention
opportunities for illicit drug offenders to access health services.
The initiative is one of the Illicit Drug Diversion Initiatives overseen by a State Reference
Group that includes representatives from Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia, South
Australia Police, the Courts Administration Authority, the Department of Education and Child
Development, the Attorney-General’s Department, the Aboriginal Health Council of South
Australia, the Aboriginal Sobriety Group and clinical service providers.
8.1.3 Support people to recover from dependence and reconnect with the
community
Funding for Non-Government Drug and Alcohol Services
SA Health conducted a competitive open tender process to purchase drug treatment
services from non-government agencies across South Australia for the period 1 July 2012 to
30 June 2015. The open tender attracted 30 submissions from agencies across the state,
proposing to operate a range of treatment services.
The tender will result in a range of enhancements to the drug treatment services available to
people with substance misuse issues across South Australia. These include:

an approximate 15 per cent increase in the number of assessment and counselling
appointments offered under the Police Drug Diversion Initiative, with significant
improvements in the allocation of appointments according to demand.

Sobering-up services across South Australia will increase opening hours to 24 hours a
day, seven days a week.

youth residential rehabilitation beds will be introduced for the first time to help
young people overcome substance misuse.

residential rehabilitation beds will be located in areas of high need.

non-residential rehabilitation services will be enhanced in metropolitan and regional
areas to reach a greater number of clients.

counselling sessions will be delivered throughout metropolitan Adelaide and in
targeted regional areas of South Australia.
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8.1.4 Support efforts to promote social inclusion and resilient individuals,
families and communities
South Australian Early Intervention Pilot Program
This pilot project operated by Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia and South Australia
Police from August 2010 to the end of June 2012 to provide diversions to an alcohol-based
health intervention for young people aged 10-17 years who had been detected by police for
a range of alcohol related offences. The Office of Crime Statistics and Research is now
finalising a report of their evaluation of the process and outcomes for the pilot that will
inform further collaboration to determine the best model for any future State-wide
implementation.
8.2
Supply Reduction
8.2.1 Reduce the supply of illegal drugs (both current and emerging)
Mandatory Recording and Reporting of Pseudoephedrine sales
Use of an electronic database to record sale of pseudoephedrine-containing products
became mandatory in South Australia on 1 July 2011 under regulation 14(4) of the
Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations 2011. This provided regulatory support for use
of Project STOP, the national electronic database used by pharmacists and monitored by law
enforcement to record sales of products containing pseudoephedrine. Restrictions on the
sale of these products, combined with increased use of the Project STOP system by
pharmacies will enable them to assist health and law enforcement authorities to better
manage risks of diversion of these drugs to the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine. SA
Health continues to liaise with the Australian Government regarding implementation of the
Electronic Recording and Reporting of Controlled Drugs initiative in South Australia.
South Australia Police Chemical Diversion Desk
This unit within State Intelligence Branch is responsible for monitoring and investigating the
diversion of chemicals and equipment for illicit purposes and provides a central point of
contact for the chemical industry. The Chemical Diversion Desk works in partnership with
State and Federal governments and industry representatives to identify the movement of
raw materials and glassware that can be used in clandestine drug laboratories. Personnel
from the Chemical Diversion Desk provide ongoing training and advice to South Australia
Police staff and community stakeholders on the dangers associated with clandestine drug
laboratories. Its staff also informed development of a business case for a national on-line
system to manage the end user declarations submitted by purchasers of controlled
chemicals and equipment that are currently administered within jurisdictions on local
systems with no inter-operability.
Illicit Drug Theme Performance Outcome Review
More than a hundred police attended the first Illicit Drugs Theme Performance Outcome
Review, which was conducted in September 2011 to examine illicit drug and drug related
harm issues. Reflecting on evidence and police experience, the forum provided context to
97
offending, trends and issues, and the South Australia Police response. During the review, the
South Australia Police Illicit Drug Strategy was re-launched. This gave participants a clear
direction on their role and responsibilities within the strategy. Successful initiatives were
presented by patrol officers, staff attached to Operation Mantle, and the Drug Investigation
Branch.
Changes to the Controlled Substances Act 1984
From 28 August 2011 the Controlled Substances (Offences Relating to Instructions)
Amendment Act 2011 amended the Controlled Substances Act 1984 (SA) to create an
offence of sale of, or possession with intent to sell, a document containing instructions for
the manufacture of a controlled drug or the cultivation of a controlled plant. The offence is
aggravated if the sale of the document is to a child.
From 17 June 2012 the Statutes Amendment (Serious and Organised Crime) Act 2012
amended the Controlled Substances Act 1984 to describe aggravated offences with
increased penalties compared to the basic offences in the following circumstances:

offences committed for the benefit of a criminal organisation or its members; or

offences committed at the direction or in association with a criminal organisation;
and

if, in the course of or in connection with committing an offence, the perpetrator
identifies in some way as belonging to or being associated with a criminal
organisation.
8.2.2 Control and manage the supply of alcohol, tobacco and other legal drugs
Changes to Liquor Licensing Legislation
From 30 January 2012 the Liquor Licensing (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2011 amended
the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 in relation to appointment of the Licensing Court Judge, the
operation and administration of the Licensing Court and clarification of its powers regarding
witnesses and entry and inspection of property.
From 5 March 2012 the Liquor Licensing (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2011 amended the
Liquor Licensing Act 1997 to provide for:

increased penalties for second or subsequent offences;

a new offence of non-violent offensive or disorderly behaviour in licensed premises
or in the vicinity of licensed premises, for which an expiation notice may be issued;

special requirements for sale of liquor for consumption on licensed premises
between 4.00 am and 7.00 am to reduce alcohol-related crime and anti-social
behaviour through Commissioner’s codes of practice;
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
imposition of licence conditions to improve public order and safety or issuing of
public order and safety notices, including the use of criminal intelligence to support
such decisions;

clearing or closure of licensed premises by order of a senior police officer who
believes on reasonable grounds that it would be unsafe for members of the public to
enter or remain due to conditions temporarily prevailing there;

suspension pending a hearing of approval of a person or imposition of conditions
limiting approval of the person when desirable in the public interest if a complaint for
disciplinary action is pending; and

suspension or revocation of licence in certain circumstances when a licensee is
convicted of a prescribed offence.
From 3 May 2012 the Statutes Amendment (Budget 2011) Act 2011 amended the Liquor
Licensing Act 1997 to provide for annual licence fees that reflect the type of licence held and
the hours of operation of the business operated under the licence.
Public Order Theme Performance Outcome Review
In June 2012 the first Public Order Theme Performance Outcome Review included
examination the South Australia Police responses to alcohol-related crime issues. This
provided an opportunity for police personnel to share information, discuss operational
issues and showcase initiatives, particularly those involving inter-agency partnerships.
Approximately 150 participants reviewed local trends in public order offending where
alcohol was a factor as well as for liquor licensing processes such as use of barring orders.
An overview of national research on the impact of alcohol and drug misuse on public order
occurring in and around licensed premises was also provided.
Changes to South Australian Tobacco Legislation
On 1 January 2012, the South Australian Government introduced a variation of the Tobacco
Products Regulations 2004 to further regulate the display of tobacco products in all retail
outlets. All tobacco retailers are required to comply with these regulations and ensure that
tobacco products are out of sight. A temporary exemption applies to prescribed specialist
tobacconists until 31 December 2014. The new regulations have reduced the promotion of
tobacco products in retail outlets, including supermarkets, convenience stores, petrol
stations and vending machines.
The Parliament of South Australia passed the Tobacco Products Regulation (Further
Restrictions) Amendment Act 2011 on 14 March 2012. The Act amends the Tobacco
Products Regulation Act 1997 to ban smoking at covered passenger transport waiting areas,
ban smoking within 10 metres of children’s playground equipment and allow Local Councils
and other bodies to identify and apply to have an area or an event declared smoke-free. The
amendments will come into effect on World No-Tobacco Day, 31 May 2012.
Changes to the Tobacco Products Regulation Act 1997 come into effect on 31 May 2012
which is World No Tobacco Day. This means that from the 31 May:
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
Smoking is banned within 10 metres of children’s public playground equipment.

Smoking is banned under covered public transport waiting areas, including bus, tram,
train and taxi shelters and other areas used to board or alight from public transport
that are covered by a roof.

Local councils and other incorporated bodies can apply to have an outdoor area or
event declared smoke-free.

The age that a person can be fined for smoking-related offences has been reduced to
15 years.
The Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse has approved an application guide for
declaring a smoke-free area. This will be distributed to local councils and other incorporated
bodies that may be interested in declaring an area or event smoke-free.
Controlled Purchase Operations
Ninety per cent of businesses tested complied with the Tobacco Products Regulation Act
1997 and refused to sell cigarettes to underage people. Businesses found selling to minors
are liable for a $315 fine and face a possible loss of their tobacco retail licence for any future
breaches. Businesses received advice about having systems in place to promote compliance,
such as staff training and cash register prompts. More than 285 businesses were tested
during 2011-2012.
8.3
Harm Reduction
8.3.1 Reduce harms to community safety and amenity
Local Government Project
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia has commenced a project focussed on working
with local government to address public health, safety and amenity issues associated with
alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. The project will be conducted over a 3 year period
ending 30 June 2014.
The project involves establishing a number of council pilot sites to develop and trial a range
of evidence-based strategies for the prevention, harm minimisation and risk management of
alcohol, tobacco and other drug related issues. An alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
management package is being developed to complement local government approaches in
this area.
Clean Needle Program Peer Education Review
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia commissioned an independent review of Clean
Needle Program peer education services. Peer education is an important public health
strategy to engage people who inject drugs to reduce injecting related harms, including the
transmission of blood borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis C.
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The review considered the current delivery of peer education services in South Australia in
relation to best practice and recommended an optimal model of this modality of service
delivery for the Clean Needle Program. The review confirmed peer education as an effective
means of reducing injecting related harms including increased access to services and
reduced sharing of injecting paraphernalia.
Operation Unite
In December 2011 Operation Unite was conducted in the Adelaide central business district
and at Port Lincoln to focus attention on the extent of binge and underage drinking, antisocial behaviour and public disorder caused by alcohol misuse. This annual initiative of the
Police Commissioners of Australia and New Zealand was again coordinated across
jurisdictions by the Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency. The health and
education component of previous operations in the series was continued through
complementary spokespersons from other frontline services and a supporting television and
radio campaign with consistent messages.
Drug Use Monitoring Australia
This national research program coordinated by the Australian Institute of Criminology
operates from the City Watch House in Adelaide. South Australia Police facilitates access by
contracted program personnel to undertake detailed interviewing of police detainees to
elicit information on their drug use, criminal activity and associated factors. Aggregated
data from the program and emerging illicit drug trends are used by police for planning and
policy development as well as intelligence for enforcement purposes.
National Review of Liquor Licensing Legislation
South Australia Police engaged the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction
to undertake an examination of enforcement provisions in liquor licensing legislation across
Australia. The report of this project is due for public release and will provide Australia with
its first ever review of liquor licensing legislation and the administrative arrangements for its
enforcement across all States and Territories. The report includes a number of
recommendations for improving law enforcement capacity for alcohol management along
with associated regulatory improvements.
Hidden Harms from Alcohol and Drug Use
With funding approved by the former Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy, South Australia
Police commissioned Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre to conduct a feasibility study to
examine the ‘hidden’ harms from alcohol and other drug use on crime, the community,
public safety and amenity. ‘Hidden’ harms refers to the harmful impacts of drug and alcohol
use for which data is limited, unavailable or incomplete for use in research and policy or
strategy development. The final report and recommendations will be considered by the
Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs in July 2012.
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8.3.2 Reduce harms to families
Reunification Initiative
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia has joined Families SA in the implementation of a
‘Reunification Initiative,’ a multi-disciplinary approach to working with families, including
responses to alcohol and other drug issues affecting parenting capacity. The initiative aims
to reduce the alcohol and other drug intake of parents involved in the program thereby
contributing to a reduction in the numbers of children entering alternative care, and/or
increasing the number of children reunified with their birth families by providing a coordinated, multi-disciplinary service response to families.
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia has recently recruited specialist alcohol, tobacco
and other drug clinicians as part of this initiative and they will be part of the Northern and
Southern Services' teams. In total, four clinicians will be employed to participate as team
members in the Reunification Initiative and they will be physically located within Families SA
Reunification Initiative sites.
The clinicians will be responsible for undertaking quality assessments and therapeutic
interventions to reduce the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs by parents whose
children have been notified to the child protection system and who are at risk of and/or
have entered alternative care systems.
Drug Action Teams
Since 2001 Drug Action Teams have been implemented as intersectoral committees within
each Local Service Area that are led by a member of the South Australia Police. The aim of
these teams is to identify and resolve local community drug and alcohol issues through the
development of relevant projects, educational presentations, displays, forums, debates and
events. The program is supported through each Local Service Areas Crime Prevention
Section.
8.3.3 Reduce harms to individuals
Day Centres
With funding from the Council of Australian Governments, the South Australian Government
began planning the establishment of a substance misuse day centre at Port Augusta, Ceduna
and Coober Pedy. Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia is responsible for the
development and operation of the Port Augusta and Ceduna services.
The centre in Port Augusta (Young Street Day Centre) has been operational since 2009. The
Ceduna Day Centre became operational in May 2012, offering non-residential diversionary
activities, assessment, intervention and referral for clients with alcohol and other drug
problems, and other complex issues. The centre has seen an increase in referrals since its
transition from an outreach service to a non-residential day centre.
APY Lands Mobile Assertive Outreach Substance Misuse Service
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The Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands Substance Misuse Facility previously
managed by Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia was officially handed over to Country
Health SA Local Health Network on 6 February 2012. Drug and Alcohol Services South
Australia will continue to operate a mobile assertive outreach substance misuse service.
A Model of Care has been developed to provide an overview of the mobile service including
client referral processes, treatment options, and links to other government and nongovernment agencies which may be involved in a client’s treatment plan. The Model of Care
has been reviewed and endorsed by Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia. Consultation
regarding the new model of care occurred with key stakeholders. Consultation meetings
were held with key stakeholders to ensure that the revised model of care would work
effectively and that referral processes would be enhanced. An Information package for
agencies regarding referral processes and service operations has been produced and
endorsed for distribution.
Consolidation of clinical services onto the new Glenside Health Services precinct
Significant coordination and planning has continued for the new purpose built drug and
alcohol inpatient and outpatient facilities to be based at the redeveloped Glenside Site in
Adelaide. Construction commenced in 2010 and the Drug and Alcohol Services South
Australia inpatient facility is expected to be completed by May 2013. Investigation into a
preferred operational model for a Ambulatory withdrawal service has progressed as part of
the enhanced services available from Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia clinical
services when relocated to Glenside.
Aboriginal Substance Misuse Connection Program
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia’s Aboriginal Substance Misuse Connection
Program was established in December 2007 and is an inner-city service that provides
assertive outreach with integrated assessment and case work for Indigenous clients who
have complex needs and require accommodation assistance. The program received a further
three year funding agreement with the South Australian Department for Families and
Communities. The Outreach Service now receives referrals from both the inner city and
wider Adelaide metropolitan area, thereby increasing access to services for Aboriginal
people experiencing issues relating to alcohol and other drug use and homelessness
throughout the Adelaide region.
Blue Light Events
South Australia Police engage with young people across South Australia by conducting
various events including discos, and disseminating a range of drug and alcohol-related
information and educational resources to youths attending these Blue Light events. This
engagement aims to strengthen relationships between youth and police to provide
opportunities for crime prevention education and early intervention strategies, including for
disrupting or preventing the uptake of alcohol and other drug use.
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9 Tasmania
9.1
Demand Reduction
9.1.1 Prevent uptake and delay onset of drug use
QUIT Tasmania
Quit Tasmania developed a background paper to address youth smoking prevention issues. A
Smoke Free Young People working group is to be established under the Tobacco Coalition to
progress issues highlighted in the background paper, including strategies to prevent smoking
uptake and improve access to cessation support for young Tasmanians.
Quit Tasmania continued to develop, implement and evaluate social marketing campaigns
that aim to increase public awareness about the health risks of smoking. It also conducted
the Critics’ Choice youth smoking prevention competition.
Social Marketing Program Working Group
The (Tobacco) Social Marketing Program Working Group, established in the latter part of
2009 to develop, coordinate and evaluate the Social Marketing Program, continued to
progress in 2010-11. Membership includes Quit Tasmania, the Department of Health and
Human Services, the Heart Foundation, the Cancer Council of Tasmania, the Asthma
Foundation, the Youth Network of Tasmania, The Link Youth Health Service and the Drug
Education Network.
Tobacco Coalition
The Tobacco Coalition continued to hold quarterly meetings to discuss issues relating to the
reduction of smoking prevalence in Tasmania. It also developed an implementation plan to
report on progress towards the goal of reducing smoking prevalence to 10 per cent by
2020. Membership includes representatives from government and non-government
organisations that have expertise or an interest in reducing smoking prevalence.
In June 2012, the Tobacco Coalition prepared the Tobacco Action Implementation Plan - Year
2 Report to highlight the range of actions that have been achieved and that are planned for
the future to reduce smoking prevalence in Tasmania. Lead and supporting agencies
responsible for the implementation of each action were also highlighted.
The Implementation Plan notes the following actions as highlights of 2011-12:

Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee established to drive collaboration across a
range of sectors to address the social determinants of health, including smoking;

Butt out for Bubs, a group cessation program targeting pregnant women was piloted in
the Glenorchy, Brighton and New Norfolk regions;

Initiatives under the Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Tackling Smoking measure
commenced.
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
Going Smoke Free: Your Workplace Kit was developed and promoted to Tasmanian
workplaces.

Legislation passed and implemented to further restrict sale of tobacco and expand
smoke free areas.

Legislation passed to require all tobacco products be in plain packaging.

Local and national campaigns implemented to prompt quit attempts which achieved a
level of exposure that evidence indicates will reduce smoking rates (700+ TARPS);

ABC brief intervention training provided to over 5000 health professionals and other
measure implemented to ensure smoking cessation is a routine part of everyday health
care; and

Understanding Women Who Smoke During Pregnancy study completed.
Early Intervention Pilot Program
The Tasmanian Early Intervention Pilot Program (TEIPP) is an initiative under the National
Binge Drinking Strategy. The Program provides a consistent approach in relation to young
people under the age of 18 and alcohol-related offending, and ensures that young
Tasmanians have access to standardised alcohol information and education.
The successful partnership between the Department of Police and Emergency Management
and the Department of Health and Human Services in conducting the program has seen the
initiative extend to all policing districts across the state. The Department of Police and
Emergency Management has also liaised with the Department of Education, to trial
extending the program to include referrals made from social workers in Tasmanian high
schools. A trial of referrals from the Youth Court and Youth Justice Services is also to be
conducted in 2012-13.
In 2011-12, planning has been undertaken for further expansion of the program. This will
involve collaboration with a number of key stakeholders to produce an alcohol-related
educational resource for young people.
Drugs education
The Department of Education continues to provide systemic support for school principals to
make informed decision in relation to drug related issues and incidents. The Management of
Drug Issues and Drug Education in Tasmanian Schools policy was updated in June 2011.
These policies are evidence based harm minimisation approaches including prevention and
intervention strategies.
A Memorandum of Understanding exists between Tasmania Police and the Department of
Education establishing agreed protocols for managing drug related incidents in schools.
The Department of Education is currently reviewing the following procedures for schools:

Managing Alcohol in Schools;

Managing Tobacco in Schools; and
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
Managing Illicit substances in schools
Strong links are made through the Tasmanian Health and wellbeing curriculum; mental
health initiatives (such as KidsMatter) and collaborations with community service providers
to develop positive relationships and encourage youth access to treatment and support
services. The proposed Australian Curriculum for Health and Physical Education will further
inform developments in the area of drug education.
The strategies are complemented by broad evidence-based age-appropriate drug education
programs, cessation initiatives and the provision of safe and supportive environments for all
students and school staff.
Tasmania Police also continues to provide drug-education presentations to schools and
colleges, focusing on the legal implications resulting from illicit drug use or involvement with
illicit drugs.
Hobart City awareness campaign
Hobart City Council supports the provision of public awareness campaigns to prevent drug
and alcohol misuse. This is through the Public Toilet Awareness Raising Program, where
posters are placed in frames on the back of public toilet doors identifying the risks
associated with alcohol and drug taking. In 2011-12 Council partnered with Quit Tasmania
and the Department of Health and Human Services to advertise the agencies campaigns.
Events for young people
The Safe in the City Program, a partnership between Hobart City Council, Tasmania Police,
Colony 47, the Hobart Police Community Youth Club (PCYC) and the Youth Network of
Tasmania involved the delivery of a series of monthly music events in Franklin Square and
Elizabeth Mall. The Safe in the City program was supported by funding through the
Tasmanian Government Community Capacity Building Grants.
The Franklin2 and Elizabeth Live! music events aimed to celebrate the talents of Hobart’s
young people and make a positive statement about young people in public spaces. In
addition to this a large number of alcohol and drug-free events were delivered throughout
2011-12, through Council’s Youth Arts and Recreation Centre, including concerts and breakdancing competitions. These alcohol and drug-free events give young people exposure to
entertainment that is fun and safe, and as an alternative to other, perhaps riskier activities,
which may prevent them taking drugs and using alcohol.
Early intervention and education
A range of early intervention education sessions were provided by non-government service
providers. Health promotion programs such as iParty were delivered in high schools, and
public forums and community education sessions were facilitated to create awareness of
drug and alcohol issues in the community. Programs such as “Staying High Naturally” were
also run to promote alternatives to drug use thus preventing early uptake of drugs.
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Local resource material was also produced which targeted youth in an effort to prevent and
delay drug use.
9.1.2 Reduce use of drugs in the community
Smoking Cessation Program
The Government continued to provide the Smoking Cessation Program, which consists of a
state-wide coordinator and three nurse specialists based in the major public hospitals within
each of the Area Health Services. The major focus of the program is to educate health
professionals on how to provide a brief intervention for smoking cessation based on the ABC
approach, which was developed by the New Zealand Ministry of Health: (A = asking clients
about their smoking status; B = provision of brief advice to quit smoking; and C = cessation
support, both behavioural and pharmacological).
Education is offered face to face by the nurse specialists or via an online learning tool which
can be accessed at Smoking Cessation abc website. Over the life of the program, there have
been almost 12,000 recorded access and completion of the ABC education by health
professionals in Tasmanian and other Australian jurisdictions.
The program also provides a limited consultation liaison service within the major hospitals
providing 1:1 support and counselling for “hard to treat” smokers who may require more
intensive counselling in addition to brief intervention.
A group smoking cessation program has also been developed called “No More Butts”, which
provides training to health professionals interested in running group smoking cessation
programs, and help facilitate group sessions as required.
Early intervention by Police
Tasmania Police has worked closely with the health sector to provide opportunities for
minor drug offenders to address their drug use issues. During the reporting period Tasmania
Police officers used their discretion to caution or divert 863 minor drug offenders, detected
using or possessing small quantities of illicit drugs, from the criminal justice system to health
services, to receive education, counselling or treatment.
Juvenile minor drug offenders are dealt with in accordance with the Youth Justice Act 1997.
If a young person commits a minor drug offence, officers have the discretion to: issue an
informal caution; divert the young person to the Early Intervention and Youth Action Unit
(EIYAU) for formal cautioning or community conference; or to charge the young person with
the offence. Under a formal caution, juvenile minor drug offenders may be referred to
receive health intervention.
Community Corrections – Court Mandated Diversion
The Court Mandated Diversion (CMD) Program is administered by Community Corrections in
Tasmania. The aim of the program is to provide intensive intervention to break the drugcrime cycle. CMD deals with a group of offenders whose risk of re-offending is addressed by
treating their substance abuse issues in the community, as an alternative to imprisonment.
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Most offenders on the program have very long histories of criminal activity and abuse of
multiple substances, and are rated as very high risk to relapse and reoffend.
While on the CMD program an offender must attend counselling and other appointments
and must eventually be free from all illicit substances. Offenders must also undergo regular
urinalysis testing to ensure their drug free status. Sanctions such as short periods of
incarceration may be imposed if they fail to comply with treatment or other orders.
Offenders can be on the program for up to two years.
A number of recent improvements have been made to the CMD program, including placing
CMD matters under dedicated Magistrates, who can bring a consistent approach to bear and
develop specialist in-depth knowledge of the area and the introduction of a cap to CMD
numbers, controlling demand so that the offenders subject to the program receive the
intensive levels of service they need.
Inter-Agency Working Group on Drugs
The Inter-Agency Working Group on Drugs (IAWGD) which comprises senior representatives
of the Departments of Health and Human Services; Police and Emergency Management;
Premier and Cabinet; Justice; Education; Treasury and Finance, including the Office of the
Commissioner for Licensing; Infrastructure, Energy and Resources; and the Local
Government Association of Tasmania; as well as the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs
Council of Tasmania (ATDC).
The IAWGD continues to meet 3-4 times annually to coordinate Tasmania’s alcohol, tobacco
and other drugs strategic policy agenda.
During the reporting period the IAWGD:

reported the progress of actions under the Tasmanian Alcohol Action Framework 2011
Annual Implementation Plan and developed the 2012 Annual Implementation Plan;

endorsed the appointment of Stenning and Associates to commence work on the alcohol
legislative scoping study; and

made recommendations to the Minister for Health to adopt the National Drug Strategy
as the principal overarching strategic document, to guide Tasmania’s actions.
9.1.3 Support people to recover from dependence and reconnect with the
community
Alcohol and Drug Dependency Act review
The Department of Health and Human Services commenced a review of the Alcohol and
Drug Dependency Act 1968, to assess the relevance and appropriateness of the Act in the
context of Tasmania’s current alcohol and drug treatment climate. The objective of the
review is to critically evaluate the ongoing suitability of the ADDA and to identify a potential
way forward.
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The Alcohol and Drug Dependency Act makes provision with respect to the treatment and
control of persons suffering from alcohol or drug dependency. Currently, it is used primarily
to compulsorily detain persons suffering from alcohol or drug dependency.
During the reporting period, a Discussion Paper was developed to promote discussion,
stimulate debate and help facilitate and guide stakeholders during the consultation phase of
the review.
Working with Aboriginal communities
During the reporting period, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Alcohol and
Drug Service continued to engage in state-wide conversations with Aboriginal organisations
and work towards providing greater access to services and greater collaboration in the
management of shared clients to better meet the needs of the Tasmanian Aboriginal
community.
Tasmania Prison Service – drug and alcohol interventions
The Tasmania Prison Service within the Department of Justice provides two drug and alcohol
group programs, Getting Smart and Pathways, and works closely with Holyoake to deliver a
third drug and alcohol program specifically aimed at inmates close to release and those with
short sentences.

Getting Smart is a condensed program designed to promote self-management of drug
and alcohol issues. It is run twice a week over the course of six weeks and can
accommodate ten participants at a time.

Pathways is an intensive treatment program for adults with a history of criminal conduct
and alcohol and other drug use problems. Running for one hundred and twenty hours
over 3-4 months, the program uses a cognitive behavioural approach to change
antisocial thinking and behaviour and to enhance pro-social thinking, attitudes and
beliefs, aiming to help offenders avoid recidivism and relapse.

The Holyoake Gottawanna Program addresses specific issues for adults who are seeking
help for their alcohol or drug use. The program is a voluntary 12 session program based
on the theory and principles of rational emotive behavioural therapy. The program
involves therapeutic group work and individual sessions.
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are also conducted at Tasmania Prison Service facilities and
the Salvation Army provides support to some prisoners pre- and post-release on alcohol
related issues.
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Correctional Primary Health Services is
responsible for providing drug and alcohol services and treatment to prisoners. Services
include opiate substitution, detoxification, counselling, blood-borne virus screening and
harm-minimisation education.
Non-government sector support
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In Tasmania, specialist support services for people who are affected by alcohol and other
drug use is predominantly provided by state government and non-government
organisations, with a smaller component provided by private service providers.
A continuum of service delivery is provided by the non-government organisations including
residential rehabilitation, non-medical sobering up, smoking cessation, counselling and
support, health promotion, education and training, youth services, family support, advocacy
and care coordination.
As of 1 July 2012 the state government provided funding to thirteen non-government
organisations, including the ATOD peak body.
As of 1 July 2012 under the Non-Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program and
Substance Misuse Service Delivery Grants Fund six of those thirteen organisations received
funding from the Department of Health and Ageing.
A majority of effort undertaken by non-government organisations are in the areas of harm
reduction and demand reduction.
Non-government ATOD workers take a holistic approach – taking into consideration all social
determinants of drug use. Therapeutic services are delivered in outreach settings, enabling
people to access appropriate support locally. Through the establishment of broad networks
and partnerships within local communities, the non-government services are able to assist
people reconnect with the community.
An example is the Care Coordination program established to coordinate the services that
care for people with multiple and complex issues. This has assisted many individuals to reestablish links with other service providers within their communities.
The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council provides support to the non-government
organisations through such activities as workforce development, to embrace family sensitive
and culturally aware and sensitive practices.
9.1.4 Support efforts to promote social inclusion and resilient individuals,
families and communities
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention Strategic
Framework (ATOD PPEI)
Significant progress was made during the period towards finalising the Tasmanian Alcohol,
Tobacco and Other Drugs Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention (ATOD PPEI)
Strategic Framework. The Framework will provide the basis to inform better-integrated and
evidence-based strategies to inform promotion, prevention and early intervention strategies
to reduce the social and health problems associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco and
other drugs.
The development of an ATOD PPEI is a key strategy identified in the Tasmanian Alcohol
Action Framework 2010–2015 Rising Above the Influence and is an identified priority area
under the Alcohol and Drug Service Future Services Directions Plan.
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During the reporting period, a number of agencies including the Departments of Health and
Human Services; Police and Emergency Management; Education; Premier and Cabinet; and
Justice; the Tasmanian Medicare Local; Local Government Association of Tasmania;
Advocacy Tasmania; the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council; and the Drug Education
Network, were involved in pulling together information from the Evidence Paper and
Discussion Paper, and feedback from the consultations and expert advice to finalise the
Strategic Framework.
Inter-Agency Support Teams
Department of Police and Emergency Management continues to lead the Inter-Agency
Support Teams (IASTs) to provide a coordinated, multi-agency approach in supporting young
people, who have offended or are ‘at risk’ of offending, and their families. A focus of the
Teams is to identify and respond to problematic and harmful drug and alcohol use.
Hobart City Council workplace AOD policy
The Hobart City Council has revised its Code of Conduct for Staff. The Code includes policies
on alcohol and other drugs in the workplace and work social functions.
The Council employs a Health and Wellness Co-ordinator who oversees initiatives aimed at
improving the health and wellbeing of Council employees. These include free access to
Council’s Health and Wellbeing Centre and the recent formation of the group,
uMaketheTeam which works to develop healthy events and activities for staff and their
families to enjoy. Council also sponsors employees to participate in activities such as
marathons, fun runs and a variety of sporting endeavours.
Kids in Focus
The Kids in Focus program provided support and counselling to families affected by the use
of alcohol or other drugs, by way of supporting families to make positive changes for parents
and their children.
Peer based support
The Glenorchy Illicit Drugs Service supported the establishment of a peer based support
group for carers and family members who are impacted by the AOD use of a young person.
Stigma and discrimination publication
The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council published a paper on the issues of Stigma and
Discrimination, identifying areas for action to promote more positive and inclusive attitudes
amongst general community, health professionals and the media in regard to people who
use drugs.
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9.2
Supply Reduction
9.2.1 Reduce the supply of illegal drugs (both current and emerging)
Drug law enforcement
Tasmania Police Drug Investigation Services conducted successful drug law enforcement
operations to disrupt, investigate and prosecute persons involved in manufacturing,
supplying and distributing illicit drugs. In 2011-12, 403 people were charged by Drug
Investigation Services with serious drug trafficking/selling offences, and a further 279 people
for other drug-related offences. In 2011-12, uniform police officers working in each of the
District Commands also prosecuted 1,212 people for drug-related offences.
The successful operations conducted resulted in large seizures of illicit drugs and a number
of arrests being made. Significant results during 2011-12 include:

In a major operation targeting organised crime in northern Tasmania and Victoria,
Tasmania Police seized drugs worth more than $2.5 million and $300,000 in cash. The
drugs seized included 30kg of cannabis and 1kg of methamphetamine. Eleven people in
Tasmania and five in Victoria were arrested and charged with offences including
trafficking and selling methamphetamine and cannabis, and firearms offences.

An investigation by Southern District Drug Investigation Services into the syndicated
hydroponic cultivation of cannabis for sale resulted in the charging of four persons in
respect to their involvement in numerous properties being used to grow the drug for
sale. Significant seizures were made of cannabis plants and cultivation equipment.

In August 2011, an operation undertaken by Northern District Drug Investigation Services
seized $450,000 worth of amphetamines. The investigation led to three motorcycle gang
members being charged with drug-related offences.

Southern District Drug Investigation Services concluded an investigation into the
importation and distribution of approximately 10kg of MDMA derivatives from overseas.
This resulted in the charging of four people with trafficking in a controlled substance and
the seizure and forfeiture of $400,000. Additionally, Southern District Drug Investigation
Services also seized approximately one ounce of cocaine that had also been imported
from overseas resulting in one person being charged with trafficking in a controlled
substance. This is a significant seizure of this drug type for Tasmania, and is
representative of the trend in using the Internet to attempt to obtain illicit drugs directly
from overseas.

An investigation undertaken by Western District Drug Investigation Services uncovered a
large quantity of crystal methylamphetamine and precursor chemicals used for illicit
drug manufacture. Other amphetamine-type drugs, steroids, ecstasy and cannabis were
also found. A person was charged with various drug-related offences.

In May 2012, a person was charged with multiple offences following an investigation by
Western District Drug Investigation Services that uncovered $60,000 worth of
amphetamines, illicit pharmaceutical drugs, cannabis, a large quantity of firearms,
ammunition and stolen jewellery.
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Representation on national working groups
During the reporting period, Department of Police and Emergency Management represented
Tasmania on the National Precursor Advisory Group, which was established to make
recommendations to the Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs (IGCD), under the National
Framework for the Control of Precursor Chemicals and Equipment.
Project STOP
Project STOP continued to operate in this jurisdiction. The majority of Tasmanian pharmacies
are currently registered with Project Stop, and a number of those that are not registered
have chosen not to stock pseudoephedrine.
Misuse of Drugs Order 2011
The Department of Police and Emergency Management continues to ensure resources,
including legislative powers, remain adequate to address emerging drug issues. In an effort
to capture the broad range of derivative drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids, entering
the illicit drug market, the Misuse of Drugs Order 2011 was enacted to amend the Controlled
Drugs, Controlled Plants and Controlled Precursors under the Schedule of the Misuse of
Drugs Act 2001 (the Act). The amendments increased the number of controlled drugs and
controlled precursors under the Act.
Tasmania Prison Service security
The Tasmania Prison Service employs a number of tactics to reduce the supply of drugs in
prisons, including:

Information gathering and intelligence assessment;

Searching and surveillance of inmates, staff, visitors, facilities, property and equipment,
including the use of drug detection dogs;

Searching of mail and other goods entering prisons;

Screening at prison entry points by the drug detection dog unit; and

Random and targeted drug and alcohol testing of prisoners.
A new perimeter fence at the Risdon Prison Complex has reduced one of the ways in which
contraband entered the prison.
Waste water research project
The Tasmania Prison Service has agreed to be part of a national research project to monitor
wastewater to measure levels of illicit drugs. The aim of the research is to use technology to
measure the level of drug use in prisons by sampling the sewage outflow to detect drug use
levels. It is anticipated this study will enable the Tasmania Prison Service to better measure
the effectiveness of the strategies already in place to reduce supply and demand.
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9.2.2 Control and manage the supply of alcohol, tobacco and other legal drugs
Pharmaceutical monitoring - Real time reporting
In July 2008 the Department of Health and Human Services’ Pharmaceutical Services Branch
received funding from the Commonwealth’s Health Connect program to develop and
introduce a real time reporting system for Schedule 8 drugs and alprazolam.
The Pharmaceutical Services Branch continued to roll out real time reporting during the
reporting period. As of August 2012, in excess of 95% of pharmacies now securely report
their Schedule 8 drugs and alprazolam data in real time. This project has enabled
Pharmaceutical Services Branch to maintain a more up to date data set and, therefore,
provide more timely advice to clinicians to help safeguard patient and community safety.
Drugs and Poisons Information System Online Remote Access
During 2012, the Pharmaceutical Services Branch piloted Drugs and Poisons Information
System Online Remote Access (DORA) in a number of general practices around Tasmania.
DORA accesses the Department of Health and Human Services Schedule 8 drugs and
alprazolam dispensing database and displays the pertinent data on a secure web based
interface for authorised prescribers. Prescribers can determine what Schedule 8 drugs (or
alprazolam) have been dispensed for a particular patient, whether another doctor holds an
authority to prescribe for the patient and whether the patient has ever been the subject of a
Circular restricting their access to drugs of dependence, as well as other information.
While prescribers are currently able to call the Pharmaceutical Services Branch and obtain
relevant patient information in relation to drugs of dependence during business hours,
DORA will deliver a highly useful clinical decision support tool at the time the patient is being
seen by the medical practitioner. It will enable secure access to appropriate information 24
hours a day, 7 days a week for clinicians who need to prescribe drugs of dependence and are
unsure of their patient’s previous clinical history relating to these drugs.
Feedback from prescribers is that they are finding DORA to be a useful clinical tool.
More pilot sites are actively being sought and, following the completion of the pilot, it is
intended that DORA will be made available to all medical practices state-wide during 2013.
Review of opioid prescribing in Tasmania
The Department of Health and Human Services completed a review of opioid prescribing in
Tasmania which investigates the issues surrounding current Tasmanian prescribing of drugs
of dependence.
The review was undertaken by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Council (NDARC)
based at the UNSW.
The review covered:
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1.
How medical specialists support/approach the issue of opioid use and how this
influences GPs prescribing of opioids and other aspects of treatment and care,
particularly in the area of chronic pain management including the need for better
education and support.
2.
The often associated adverse outcomes of long-term use of opioids where there has
not been a comprehensive assessment of benefits, risk and harm arising from
treatment with opioid medications. This includes issues with drug dependent
patients requiring opioid treatment either for dependence or pain, or both.
3.
The regulatory aspects of opioid use and prescribing including the role of the
Pharmaceutical Services Branch, which is responsible for the legislation relating to
the possession, prescribing and supply of opioids through the Tasmanian Poisons Act
and Regulations. The Pharmaceutical Services Branch is responsible for the
monitoring of the prescribing and supply of all opioids and as part of this role issues
authorisations to prescribers to prescribe opioids for more than two months.
One of the catalysts for the review was that Tasmania’s per capita consumption of morphine
over recent years has been up to 36 per cent higher than the national average. Tasmania
has a well-recognised issue with the diversion of legally prescribed opioids to recreational
use. The majority of the opioids sold have been legitimately prescribed.
Deaths in Tasmania associated with opioid abuse, misuse or lifestyle factors around their
use/misuse are significant.
The review has resulted in a major report of national significance called ‘A review of Opioid
Prescribing in Tasmania - A blueprint for the future’ that will shape the approaches
(including clinical, regulatory and at a population level) to the use of opioids in the
management of chronic pain and other evidence-informed approaches at both a local,
national and possibly international level.
The wide-ranging recommendations need to be carefully assessed to determine a suitable
response. The Department of Health and Human Services will take a leadership role for their
implementation. This is important given that some of the recommendations involve health
providers and regulatory issues which come under the auspices of the Poisons Act.
Implementation also involves Department of Health and Human Services bringing together
and supporting a reference group of stakeholder organisations, including medical groups,
the university, clinical pain management services, regulators and government to whom the
recommendations are relevant.
Solving the issues in relation to opioid use is a long-term effort and the work of the review is
a significant milestone as it represents a major cornerstone of evidence and expert input for
future directions.
Tobacco compliance
In 2011-12, the Department of Health and Human Services conducted 311 controlled
purchase operations testing tobacco retailer compliance with the ban on the sale of
cigarettes to children. The operations resulted in a non-compliance rate of 1.6 per cent.
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In 2011 the enforcement approach for the sale of cigarettes to children changed with the
introduction of on-the-spot fines ($520). Prosecution is still an enforcement option but is
generally used for a second offence or if a fine is not paid.
On 1 March 2012, amendments made to the Public Health Act 1997 commenced relating to
the use and sale of tobacco products. These included bans on:

Sale of tobacco at temporary events

Display of tobacco products by specialist tobacconists

Possession of tobacco by children

Use of tobacco for shopper loyalty programs.

Vending machines restricted to service areas of licensed venues only.
Tasmania Prison Service - restricted smoking regime
The Tasmania Prison Service and Correctional Primary Health Services have developed a
joint smoking management strategy to build on the work undertaken in recent years to
reduce smoking-related harm in the prison environment. The strategy includes:

Making smoking reduction / cessation strategies available to individuals who wish to
quit.

Providing education, support and encouragement to those who are not currently
contemplating quitting.

Adopting a vigorous approach to protecting non-smokers from second-hand
environmental tobacco smoke.
Tasmanian Alcohol Action Framework (TAAF)
In 2010, the Tasmanian Government released the Tasmanian Alcohol Action Framework
2010-2015, which was developed by the IAWGD to guide activities and partnerships
between Government Agencies, Local Government, non-government organisations, and the
liquor and hospitality industries, to provide a focus on reducing alcohol-related harm, and
influencing a safer drinking culture.
The Alcohol Advisory Group, chaired by the Department of Police and Emergency
Management and comprising representatives of key Government Agencies, the Local
Government Association of Tasmania, ATDC and Australian Drug Foundation was established
by the IAWGD to coordinate the implementation of the Framework
Activities of Government and other interested key stakeholders in addressing alcohol-related
harms in Tasmania for the year were highlighted in The Tasmanian Alcohol Action
Framework - Annual Implementation Plan 2012.
The implementation plan provides a comprehensive view of the specific new and existing
activities and initiatives that agencies have committed to undertaking in 2012; the
timeframes for implementation; how each activity’s outcome will be measured; and lead
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and partner organisations. There is also a section to highlight the important involvement of
non-government organisations.
The IAWGD reports to Government on the progress of the TAAF on an annual basis through
the Minister for Health.
Alcohol legislative scoping study
The Departments of Health and Human Services; Police and Emergency Management; and
Treasury and Finance’s Liquor and Gaming Branch and the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs
Council jointly funded a legislative scoping study to identify strengths and weaknesses of
existing legislation and regulatory frameworks, to deal with the sale and supply of alcohol,
and management of alcohol-related harms in Tasmania.
During the period, Stenning and Associates was appointed to undertake the project on
behalf of the IAWGD with assistance provided by the Alcohol Advisory Group. Substantial
work has been completed with a range of stakeholders consulted, including:

The Alcohol Advisory Group member organisations

Hobart City Council

The Tasmanian Hospitality Association

Non-government organisations providing alcohol, tobacco and other drug services

The Tasmanian Small Business Council

The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The final report is expected towards the end of 2012.
The Study will further inform a review of the Liquor Licensing Act 1990 being undertaken by
the Department of Treasury and Finance.
Department of Police and Emergency Management has also worked with the Liquor and
Gaming Branch, Department of Treasury and Finance, to consider licensing issues and
identify potential amendments to the Liquor Licensing Act 1990.
National pharmaceutical drug misuse
Department of Police and Emergency Management and Department of Health and Human
Services participated in consultations for the development of the National Framework for
Addressing Pharmaceutical Drug Misuse. The Framework will provide a systematic national
response to pharmaceutical diversion and misuse, and address prevention, supply, harm
reduction and improved access to quality treatment.
Good Sports
Collaborative funding and support from the Departments of Health and Human Services and
Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts, beyondblue and some local Councils enabled
the re-establishment of the Good Sports program, and the establishment of Build Your Game
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in 2009. There are now over 200 community sporting clubs participating in Good Sports
across all Tasmania covering over 16 sporting codes.
During the reporting period, total Good Sports participation in Tasmania increased by 23.6
per cent, to 225 total sporting clubs. The total number of accredited clubs achieved a
significant increase of 72.1 per cent, from 86 clubs to 148. The largest increase was among
Level 1 accredited clubs (56 to 91) which reflects the success of the program in recruiting
more and more new clubs into Good Sports over the twelve month period.
Since the commencement of the Good Sport Mental Health – Build Your Game component
of the program, 48 sporting clubs have completed a least one Mental Health Awareness
training.
Sporting Clubs Project
The Liquor and Gaming Branch continued to support sporting clubs to change the way they
think about and use alcohol through the Sporting Club Alcohol Strategy, a joint initiative of
the Commissioner for Licensing, AFL Tasmania, the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and
Resources’ Community Road Safety Partnerships Program, and the Australian Drug
Foundation’s Good Sports Program. The strategy encourages clubs to develop an alcohol
management policy, a safe transport policy, and to increase the understanding of the
legislative responsibilities associated with being authorised to sell alcohol. As part of the
strategy, it is a condition of entry to sporting grounds that no liquor is brought in when
sports, such as AFL, are being played. This initiative enables the venue to exercise more
effective control over the sale and supply of liquor. As of 1 April 2013, Football clubs will be
required to have a current Alcohol Management Strategy in place as a condition of the issue
of a liquor permit.
Liquor Act Compliance
To ensure compliance with the Liquor Licensing Act, the Liquor and Gaming Branch’s
compliance team fulfilled their inspection program of licensed venues around the State. A
database of complaints against licensees with regard to their service practices is maintained
by the Branch.
Responsible Service of Alcohol
Responsible Service of Alcohol training is compulsory for all liquor licensees and their servers
of alcohol in accordance with the Liquor Licensing Act 1990.
9.3
Harm Reduction
9.3.1 Reduce harms to community safety and amenity
Strengthening tobacco controls in Tasmania
On 1 March 2012, amendments made to the Public Health Act 1997 commenced extending
smoke free areas to the following:
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
Outdoor dining areas

Children’s playgrounds (within 10 metres)

Competition and seating areas at sport grounds (within 20 metres)

Outdoor areas at public swimming pools

Pedestrian and bus malls

Covered bus shelters (within 3 metres)

Patrolled beaches (between the flags)

Large public gatherings as specified by the Director of Public Health
In May 2012, the Department of Health And Human Services launched the Going Smoke
Free: Your Workplace Kit as a resource to help workplaces in Tasmania go smoke free and
support staff through the change. The kit covers a range of topics including creating a smoke
free policy, support staff to reduce smoking, legal responsibilities, practical tools, templates
and case studies, communication and signage.
In June 2012, Department of Health and Human Services endorsed the Smoke-Free
Workplace Policy to require that by 1 July 2013, all of the Department’s premises and
vehicles owned, leased or hired by and for the Department’s use to be smoke free.
Department of Health and Human Services alcohol & drugs in the workplace policy
The Department of Health and Human Services developed an Alcohol & Drugs in the
Workplace Policy, which was approved on 19 June 2012 and came into effect on 20 June
2012.
The purpose of the Alcohol and Drugs in the Workplace Policy is to minimise the health and
safety risks attributable to employees’ being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
while at work and to provide a framework for managers and employees to follow when
dealing with issues relating to the consumption of alcohol and other drugs.
The Policy:

Restricts employees consuming alcohol on departmental premises except at properly
authorised social events;

Restricts employees consuming any drug in departmental premises except for legitimate
medical reasons;

Requires employees to notify if their taking of, or failure to take, medication is likely to
affect the safety of the employee or any other person at the workplace;

Requires employees to be capable of performing his/her duties and not be a risk to
others due to the effects of drugs or alcohol; and

Requires employees to leave departmental premises if his/her manager/supervisor has
reasonable grounds to believe that the employee is incapable of performing his duties or
may be a risk to others due to the effects of drugs or alcohol.
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Needle and syringe
The Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) operates from a variety of sites around Tasmania,
hospitals, community health centres, pharmacies as well as dedicated sites that have been
established and funded for the specific purpose of ensuring the availability of equipment and
services to injecting drug users.
There are now 7 primary, 19 secondary and 81 pharmacy outlets state wide with three
vending machines, located in Launceston, Devonport and Hobart.
Hobart City Council maintained needle and syringe disposal units in all public toilets and
Council staff responded to calls by the public to remove needles from public spaces.
Public order and safety
During the reporting period, Tasmania Police continued to support strategic focus on
operational alcohol-related issues through the Public Order and Safety Forum (POSF). The
role of the POSF is to discuss and consider operational public order and safety issues.
Tasmania Police Public Order Response Teams (PORT) and Licensing Units have continued to
work with the liquor industry and other stakeholders to successfully address public order
issues. Operations undertaken by the PORT and Licensing Units have again seen an overall
reduction (10.8%) in public order incidents, including public disturbance, vandalism, vehicle
complaints and offensive behaviour. This is further to the 10.5% reduction in the number of
public order incidents during the 2010-11 reporting period. There was also a further
reduction in the number of public place assaults recorded in 2011-12 compared to 2010-11.
Random breath and drug testing
Tasmania Police has conducted effective operations to deter and detect drivers affected by
alcohol and/or drugs. Tasmania Police conducted 556,564 random breath and drug tests in
2011-12, apprehending 3,910 offenders driving under the influence of alcohol and/or other
drugs.
Operation Unite
In December 2011, Tasmania Police again joined with police services around the country to
participate in Operation Unite targeting anti-social and violent behaviour arising from
alcohol misuse, particularly in and around metropolitan entertainment precincts.
Liquor Accords
There are six liquor accords operating across Tasmania - Burnie-Wynyard, Launceston
Circular Head, Glenorchy, Hobart and Devonport. Liquor accords are a common strategy in
most urban and regional areas allowing licensees to participate voluntarily to introduce
practical solutions to address alcohol related problems.
Liquor accords are supported by the Liquor and Gaming Branch of the Department of
Treasury and Finance, Department of Police and Emergency Management, relevant local
government Council, licensees, the Tasmanian Hospitality Association and local businesses.
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Safer Hobart Community Partnership
The Safer Hobart Community Partnership (SHCP), which was formed in 2009 to improve
safety and the perception of safety in the City of Hobart, continues to coordinate a broad
range of activities in the city.
The SHCP is a strategic partnership which brings together key stakeholders responsible for
the delivery of community safety and associated issues including crime prevention
initiatives, at a senior level, to achieve effective, efficient and coordinated outcomes. Simply
put, it is a coordinated action group. The membership includes Hobart City Council,
Department of Police and Emergency Management, the Tasmanian Hospitality Association,
the State Departments of Education; Treasury and Finance – Liquor and Gaming Branch; and
Health and Human Services – Child, Youth and Family Services and Youth Justice, Metro
Tasmania, the Hobart Chamber of Commerce and Target Hobart. Safety with regard to
alcohol and drug issues is one of the key focus areas of the partnership.
As an SHCP initiative Hobart City Council supported the development of a Hobart Liquor
Accord to support an industry-based response the alcohol related harms.
During the busy Christmas / New Year period the SHCP established a safe service hub on
Hobart’s Waterfront, including a temporary police station on Salamanca Lawns and a Night
Rider Bus Service.
Hobart City Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Action Plan
In 2011-12 the Hobart City Council approved its Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Action Plan.
The consultation model for the delivery of the plan included a series of focus groups which
involved business, media and general community and alcohol and other drug service
providers. The Action Plan was also informed by the data which was collected as part of the
Cities for Safe and Healthy Communities Program.
Hobart City alcohol and smoking restriction
In 2011-12 Council requested the State Government to consider an increase in the number
of parks where consumption of alcohol is restricted through amendments to the Police
Offences Act 1935. The requests were approved, and work is currently underway to
implement the restrictions in a number of parks including a 24 hour a day ban in the North
Hobart Cultural and Skate Park and in St. David’s Park. Alcohol consumption will be
prohibited between the hours of 8pm-8am daily in John Doggett Park, Soundy Park, Hobart
Regatta Grounds, Hobart Rivulet Linear Park and the University Rose Gardens.
Hobart City Council introduced a ban on smoking on 1 August 2010 in specified public spaces
– the Elizabeth Mall, the Bus Mall and Wellington Court. The ban was extended to outdoor
dining occupation licence areas in 2011.
Council of Capital City Lord Mayors National Local Government Drug and Alcohol Advisory
Committee
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Hobart City Council’s General Manager chairs of the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors
National Local Government Drug and Alcohol Advisory Committee and is a participating
member of the Australian National Council on Drugs.
9.3.2 Reduce harms to families
Alcohol warning labels
The Population Health Unit of the Department of Health and Human Services continues to
advocate for and recommend the mandatory labelling of alcohol with pregnancy related and
other health warning labels through the Legislative and Governance Forum on Food
Regulation 2012. This important initiative complements other Tasmanian activities that
seek to reduce the use of alcohol during pregnancy.
9.3.3 Reduce harms to individuals
Quitline evaluation
In September 2011, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Quitline telephone counselling
service was completed. It found that 71 percent of smokers who spoke to a Quitline advisor
had made an attempt to quit smoking and 98 percent agreed the Quitline was understanding
and supportive.
Tasmanian Opioid Pharmacotherapy Program
The Tasmanian Opioid Pharmacotherapy Program (TOPP) was completed during the
reporting period. The TOPP is based on contemporary evidence and national clinical policies
and guidelines for the use of methadone and buprenorphine in treating opioid dependence.
The TOPP endeavours to provide clear guidance to prescribers, case managers and
pharmacists so they are able to deliver opioid pharmacotherapy in a manner that is as safe
as possible.
The key goals of the TOPP are to reduce unsafe drug use and in particular injecting drug use,
minimise the incidence of iatrogenic and diversion related opioid dependence, assist people
to shift their daily focus from drugs to other aspects of life and preventing drug overdose
and drug-related death.
The new Policy and Clinical Standards will:

achieve consistency of practice across the sector and reduce associated clinical risks;

deliver safe treatment to clients;

establish best practice standards for clinical practice;

identify special risk and protective factors in each client and implement appropriate
clinical management plans;

focus upon the treatment planning process which includes active and ongoing client
involvement in the goal setting and treatment planning processes;
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
emphasise the importance of psychosocial interventions, case management and risk and
protective frameworks in opioid pharmacotherapy; and

assist the client to re-establish themselves and participate in their community.
A key feature of the document is its recognition of the importance of psychosocial
interventions, case management, and risk and protective frameworks in delivering opioid
pharmacotherapy, and seeks to help clients identify risks and protective factors, facilitate
their involvement in clinical management plans, goal setting and treatment planning, and
help re-establish them in their communities.
Because of the significant public and clinical safety issues identified in Tasmania, the TOPP’s
clinical and policy approach is necessarily conservative and emphasises the importance of
identifying and proactively managing the risks.
Hepatitis B immunisation
The Department of Health and Human Services commenced a Hepatitis B Immunisation
program within its Alcohol Drug Services during the reporting period, to increase the uptake
of hepatitis B immunisation for at risk clients.
Procedures have been adopted to ensure that Alcohol and Drug Service clients’
immunisation status is discussed as part of their assessment process during admission as
well as during review of their episode of care. Where a client has not been immunised, a
complete course of hepatitis B Vaccine is administered.
Alcohol and Drug Service is also working in collaboration with Anglicare, The Link Youth
Health Service, and Correctional Primary Health Services, as members of the Department of
Health and Human Services’ Hepatitis and HIV Working Group, to increase access to HBV
vaccination programs for at risk individuals.
There are plans to extend the reach of this initiative by providing outreach hepatitis B
immunisation to Anglicare clients.
Alcohol and Drug Service
The Tasmanian State Government, as part of the 2008-09 Budget, committed $17.1 million
over four years (2008-09 to 2011-12) to the development of ATOD services in Tasmania. In
addition to this, the Government also invested an additional $2.7 million over four years to
initiatives to support Tasmanians to quit smoking.
The development of the Future Service Directions Plan provided a clear direction for the
Tasmanian ATOD sector and has guided the investment of the additional funding over four
years.
Despite continuing budgetary pressures and the associated need to identify savings, the
Alcohol and Drug Service was able to progress a range of service development initiatives in
2011-12, including:

A family support service for the North and North West regions of the State;
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
Finalisation of the Tasmanian Opioid Pharmacotherapy Policy and Clinical Practice
Standards;

Implementation of a new client information management system and improved
reporting; and

Progression to accreditation.
Consultation liaison
A specialist alcohol and drug consultation liaison service within the Royal Hobart Hospital is
now fully operational with a full time specialist nursing position located permanently with
the Royal Hobart Hospital.
The service aims to support and develop clinical staff of the Royal Hobart Hospital by
providing expert assessment, information, brief intervention, advice and offer shared care in
the clinical management of patients admitted to the Royal Hobart Hospital with significant
and complex alcohol and other drug related problems.
The Clinical Director and other medical specialists continue to support and visit General
Practitioners and private prescribers across the State.
Residential rehabilitation services
The Government has provided significant investment into the three established community
based residential rehabilitation services across the State: The Salvation Army Bridge
Program; Launceston City Mission Missiondale; and Live Free Tassie.
The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council continues to work closely with the three
organisations to assist with the development of their workforce.
In addition to the recurrent investment into services provision, the Alcohol and Drug Service
is supporting the organisations through the provision of clinical support, advice and
expertise and will continue to work closely with the organisations to assist with the ongoing
development of their services.
Workforce development
Workforce development was identified as a major issue throughout the review of ATOD
services in Tasmania. In responding to this, the Tasmanian Government has invested
considerable resources into the area of workforce development for the sector. This
investment will continue to grow in future years.
The Department of Health and Human Services has established a Workforce Development
Unit for the ATOD sector which consists of two specialist Workforce Development positions
within the Alcohol and Drug Service and a third position based with the ATDC of Tasmania.
A priority for Alcohol and Drug Service has been to identify the mandatory and core skill
expectations of the Alcohol and Drug Service workforce. Significant work has been
undertaken in identifying and establishing training that aligns with those skill requirements.
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ATOD Steering Committee
An ATOD Steering Committee was established to oversee the implementation of the Alcohol
and Drug Service Future Service Directions Plan and to provide direction and leadership in
the development and reform of the ATOD sector and the investment in both government
and non-government organisations.
The Committee is drawn from the ATOD sector, both government and the non-government,
comprising representatives from the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council, the
Department of Health and Human Service’ Alcohol and Drug Service, Mental Health Services
and Population Health Unit. The Committee meets several times a year.
Good Mates Guide
The Good Mates Guide Project was undertaken during the reporting period. The Good Mates
Guide incorporated the use of Facebook and a phone application called Mate Minder, in an
effort to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence and communicate practical skills to lessen the
likelihood of individuals becoming victims. This was an initiative of the State Government.
Community Corrections - Sober Driver Program
The Community Corrections within Department of Justice continue to deliver the Sober
Driver Program to address the serious road safety problems caused by repeat drink drivers.
The Sober Driver Program is an educational and skill based group program which targets
adult offenders who are convicted of two or more drink driving offences within the last five
years.
The goals of the Sober Driver Program are:

To reduce drink driving offending by graduates of the program.

For participants to understand the effects of drink driving on themselves and the
community.

To assist participants to build skills, strategies and knowledge to apply in future
situations to ensure they do not reoffend.
Tasmania Prison Service/Correctional Primary Health Services – Blood Borne Virus Strategy
The Tasmania Prison Service and Correctional Primary Health Services have introduced a
joint strategy to address the issue of blood borne viruses in correctional settings, with a
particular focus on
hepatitis C. The Healthy Prisons, Healthier Communities Blood Borne Virus Strategy 20102013 builds on the range of initiatives already introduced to the Tasmania Prison Service to
address the issue of blood borne viruses in correctional settings.
The strategy is aligned to the Hepatitis C Prevention, Treatment and Care: Guidelines for
Australian Custodial Settings, the National Corrections Drug Strategy 2006-2009 as well as
other national blood borne virus initiatives.
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A newly established Infection Control Committee is also investigating the implementation of
a range of strategies to minimise the risk of transmission of blood borne viruses.
The Tasmania Prison Service and Correctional Primary Health Services are also undertaking a
considerable amount of education and awareness training for both staff and prisoners to
reduce the risk of harm.
Tasmania Prison Service/Correctional Primary Health Services - Alcohol, Tobacco and
Other Drug Strategy
The Healthy Prisons, Healthier Community Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Strategy is a
joint health initiative between the Tasmania Prison Service and Correctional and Primary
Health Services. It seeks to minimise the harms associated with alcohol, tobacco and other
drugs in the lives of prisoners and ex-prisoners.
The strategy, which supports the National Corrections Drug Strategy, focuses on reducing
supply, reducing demand and reducing harm. The strategy will be in place for three years
and subject to annual review. The strategy includes:

discussion and education of prison and health staff in relation to harm reduction and the
public health approach to drug and alcohol use;

ongoing education of prisoners in relation to alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and
harmful practices;

the use of prisoners as peer drug and alcohol educators; and

the development of consumer based standards for prisoners as part of the Health
Promoting Prison Agenda.
Northern Territory
The issue of substance misuse, particularly alcohol with the devastating effect this has on
entire communities, remains a key priority in the Northern Territory (NT). Throughout
2011/12, the NT Government continued to establish coordinated responses to address the
social, health and wellbeing harms associated with the misuse of tobacco, alcohol and other
drugs. This is achieved through cross agency collaboration (Department of Health,
Department of Justice2, NT Police) and through working with the non-government sector
and Northern Territory community.
10.1 Demand Reduction
10.1.1 Prevent uptake and delay onset of drug use
Community Education and Training
2
The Department of Justice is now the Department of Attorney General and Justice. For the purposes of this
report, reference will be made to the Department of Justice or DOJ as this was the correct for the period 2011/12.
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There are 10 community support positions within the Alcohol and Other Drugs Program
(AODP) in the NT Department of Health (DoH) that work across local, rural and remote
regions of the NT. Additionally there are Community Services Apprentices employed and
being trained, three in Darwin and one in Nhulunbuy.
Trainers have continued to provide accredited training in Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma
level, providing an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) education pathway and supporting an
active student load of 753 students for the 2011/12 period.
Of the 753 full-time students engaged in the Certificate II, III, IV & Diploma Training:


38 per cent are Indigenous; and
70 per cent are from non-Government organisations.
AODP provided $30,000 for Top End community grants to support community development
initiatives.
Indigenous specific alcohol education and training programs delivered by AODP have
included:
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128 Indigenous Alcohol Flipchart Training Programs conducted in relation to alcohol
and youth, domestic violence, decision making, Driving Under the Influence (DUI),
Family, Health, Mental Health, Brain Injury, Culture, Pregnancy, Community and
Social issues;
Training in Accredited Effective Brief Interventions for a total of 124 people;
38 programs conducted on the National Indigenous Alcohol Guidelines.
Alcohol Reform
Following the introduction of Alcohol Reform measures which commenced on 1 July 2011, a
total of 243 health professionals completed specialist training in Alcohol Misuse
Interventions (AMI) to support the Department of Justice (DOJ) led ‘Enough is Enough’
Alcohol Reform program.
Tobacco
Tobacco control outcomes under the Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) ‘Closing
the Gap’ initiative for 2011/12 included:


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A remote tobacco cessation project to deliver targeted education, brief intervention
and cessation services in remote communities;
Provision of a Small Grants Program of up to $3000 per grant designed to assist rural
and remote Aboriginal communities develop tobacco interventions at the local level;
A total of 38 Specialist Tobacco Cessation Education and Therapy Programs
conducted through Indigenous Education and Therapy in Remote Communities.
Additionally, a total of four QUIT Therapy Programs have been completed over three
week intervals, with up to 18 persons per course completing the programs across the
Territory;
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A total of 22 professional staff and 66 AOD frontline workers becoming qualified to
provide evidence based tobacco cessation interventions across the Territory,
completing their National Accredited Tobacco Cessation course where each
participant was required to complete 80 hours of training in contemporary tobacco
interventions.
The Remote Tobacco team conducting 333 tobacco activities in remote areas across
the NT, including tobacco interventions, resource development, workforce
development and industry consultations/meetings.
World No Tobacco Day
On World No Tobacco Day, 31 May 2012, the NT Tobacco Action Plan for 2010-13 was
launched. The Action Plan was developed following the NT Tobacco Summit in 2009. The NT
Tobacco Control Advisory Committee was established to oversee the implementation of the
Tobacco Action Plan, and provide leadership and advice on tobacco control in the NT. The
committee includes representatives from the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT
(AMSANT), research organisations, local government, NT government departments, and
community members. Each year on World No Tobacco Day, the committee will report on
progress on reducing smoking and its harms in the NT.
A community education campaign was delivered by NT AODP from 29 May – 1 June 2012 to
coincide with World No Tobacco Day 2012. Information and interactive displays were set up
cross a number of locations in Darwin, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. Locations included
major shopping centres and public hospitals, as well as Darwin’s well known Mindil Beach
Sunset Markets.
Volatile Substance Abuse
124 VSA education, training programs and formal workshops were conducted to support the
VSAP MA/MP legislation across the Top End in remote communities.
Good Sports – Healthy Clubs, Strong Communities
Good Sports has been funded through the DOJ Alcohol Strategy Unit to provide education on
the safe service and consumption of alcohol to sporting clubs in both the Darwin, Katherine
and Palmerston communities. Sport is a major recreational event on remote communities
and while this program is currently only being provided in regional areas there is a new
funding application being considered which is hoping to extend this educational service to
remote communities.
10.1.2 Reduce use of drugs in the community
NT Illicit Drug Pre Court Diversion Program (NTIDPCDP)
The Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative (IDDI) is part of the national approach to early
intervention and prevention of illicit drug use. This national approach on illicit drug use has
been agreed by all Australian States and Territories and has resulted in the police and courts
being able to divert drug users to education and assessment or treatment.
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The primary objective of the IDDI is to increase incentives within the community for drug
users to identify and treat their illicit drug use early. It also aims to decrease the social
impact of illicit drug use and to prevent a new generation of drug users from committing
drug related crime, thereby leading to safer communities across Australia.
The NT Illicit Drug Pre Court Diversion Program (NTIDPCDP), overseen by the Department of
Health and NT Police, is one of the two main IDDI funded programs in the Territory. The
second is The Court Referral and Evaluation for Drug Intervention and Treatment Program
(CREDIT NT), overseen by the DOJ. The NTIDPCDP is available for those who have offended
under the Northern Territory Misuse of Drugs Act 2008.
NT Police (NTP) continue to encourage offenders to participate and succeed in the program
to avoid court prosecution. The NTP remain concerned that the program is still focused in
urban areas only and is seeking to have it available across the Territory in remote and
Indigenous communities. The Agency is currently working with stakeholders to clarify the
ability of the program to link with registered service providers able to travel remotely so that
referrals can be more broadly available.
Youth Diversion Scheme
NT Police Youth Diversion provides case management support to referred youth offenders
with substance abuse issues. This includes those not eligible under the Illicit Drug Pre Court
Diversion program or for whom the program is not available as they’re outside of the
approved referral zone. The majority of offenders receive case management support and
program referral to service providers who are able to assist them to deal with alcohol and
drug related issues.
Alcohol Management Plans
Alcohol Management Plan (AMP) work continues in the NT. Currently there are 44 AMPs
being developed or implemented across the NT. This includes AMPs in every regional centre
as well as in remote communities and town camps. 18 have been signed off at the
community level. A number of communities have signed off an AMP at the community level
between 12 months to two years ago and since that time have been waiting for finalisation
under Commonwealth approval processes.
AMPs aim to deliver local responses to local alcohol issues and contain supply, demand and
harm reduction strategies. AMPs support liquor accords and licensing strategies that are set
by the NT Licensing Commission. Alcohol management plans are funded by the
Commonwealth Government.
10.1.3 Support people to recover from dependence and reconnect with the
community
Treatment and Care
The NT AODP delivers and funds a range of community based treatment services and
programs, including withdrawal services, residential rehabilitation, outpatient counselling,
pharmacotherapy services and aftercare.
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During 2011/12 the AODP invested a total of $14.1 million into alcohol and other drugs
treatment services to provide 3,662 episodes of treatment across the NT with alcohol
continuing to be the principal drug of concern in 65% of all episodes.
The new Tennant Creek Sobering Up Shelter (SUS) was developed and commenced
operation in February 2012, with a formal opening by the Australian Government and NT
AODP in conjunction with the Department of Construction and Infrastructure, held in May
2012.
While the majority of treatment services are provided by the Non Government Organisation
(NGO) sector, the DoH through AODP also delivers specialised treatment services, such as
medically supported withdrawal management and opiate pharmacotherapy in Darwin and in
Alice Springs. DoH also operates the Nhulunbuy Alcohol and Other Drugs Rehabilitation
Service which is a residential program.
Alcohol Reform measures – improved access to treatment for problem drinkers
Following extensive cross-agency collaboration in 2010-11 led by the NT DOJ and involving
the DoH and NT Police, a comprehensive package of alcohol reform measures – ‘Enough is
Enough’ – commenced from 1 July 2011.
The NT Government committed $67 million to the ‘Enough is Enough’ whole of Government
package over 5 years. The reform measures aimed to provide a consistent response across
the NT to target problem drinkers who cause alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour
in the community.
As part of the Alcohol Reform package, the AODP was allocated additional funding of
$5.2 million in the 2011/12 financial year to manage and deliver specialist alcohol treatment
reforms across primary, secondary and tertiary sectors.
The Alcohol Reform measures included funding to the DoH for new beds, additional staff and
a range of services including early intervention, withdrawal support and expanded outreach
services to treat problem drinkers in remote areas. Funding to expand outreach services
enabled the AODP to appoint an Addiction Medicine Specialist for the NT and to provide
additional resources to the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the Northern Territory
(AMSANT) to support implementation of a new community based outreach workforce.
$3.5 million in funding was provided to eight non Government organisation residential
rehabilitation service providers and one NT Government service for additional staff to:
optimise existing withdrawal and rehabilitation beds; provide casework, counselling and
outreach services; become accredited; provide a benchmark for service delivery; and ensure
appropriate services are being delivered to clients.
$500,000 was provided for withdrawal support resulting in Alcohol and Other Drug nurses
commencing in the Emergency Departments (ED) of Royal Darwin Hospital and Alice Springs
Hospitals with nurses commencing in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Gove District Hospitals
during 2011/12.
During 2011/12, DOH funded treatment services were responsible for providing a wide
range of treatment options matched to the needs of the clients referred through the
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Substance Misuse and Referral for Treatment Court (SMART Court), a therapeutic court for
adults and young people who have committed an offence, where substance misuse has been
a major contributing factor. The DOJ is responsible for administration and assessment to
support the SMART Court and the DOH administers the fee for service payments for the
SMART Court referrals.
Health services supporting Territorians to Quit
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is increasingly available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits
Scheme (PBS), as well as over the counter. In 2009 and 2010, it was only available on the
PBS to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, but since February 2011 it is now
available on the PBS to all patients. NT Hospitals dispensed 36,151 NRT prescriptions to
inpatients and hospital wards in 2011.
The NT Quitline is the primary cessation support service and there was a 15 percent increase
on the number that accessed the Quitline during the 2011/12 financial year compared with
the previous year.
As a result of increased work with health services, the number of referrals to Quitline also
increased over 170 percent compared with the same period the previous year.
In 2011/12 approximately 16.3 percent of callers to the Quitline identified as Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander. This is a 100 percent increase on the 8 percent for the same period
the previous year, and triple the 5 percent recorded in 2009/10. The increase in Indigenous
callers was attributed to the Quitline Enhancement program.
Review of the Northern Territory Opiate Pharmacotherapy Program
During 2011/12, work was been done to prepare for an independent review of the NT
Opiate Pharmacotherapy Program (OPP) which will take place during 2012/13. The review
will be overseen by a steering committee comprised of representatives from the
government, non government and community services sector.
The objective is to review the NT OPP service model (including maintenance, withdrawal and
shared care clients) ensuring it is consistent with current national best practice and quality
health service standards for the management of opiate dependent people and provides an
optimal likelihood for client success as defined by the treatment goals negotiated between
client and service provider.
10.1.4 Support efforts to promote social inclusion and resilient individuals,
families and communities
Safe Drinking Community education campaign
A function of the Alcohol Management Plans (AMPs) is to develop and deliver strategies,
particularly in regards to education about safe drinking. A project being developed by the
former DOJ Alcohol Strategy Unit (now situated within the NT DOH) is to develop a large
scale community education campaign which will deliver education tools and train elders and
respected persons and others, through a train the trainer program, about safe drinking and
culture in Aboriginal communities.
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New Era in Corrections
As part of the NT Government’s ‘New Era in Corrections’ reform package, the DOH and DOJ
worked together to introduce extra alcohol and other drug treatment beds to direct
offenders into treatment. New Era in Corrections placed stronger emphasis on reparation,
rehabilitation, education and training, and reintegration.
A key element of the reform package was new and enhanced Community Custody and
Community-based Orders in urban and remote areas. Community Custody and the
Community-based Orders gave the courts the power to order offenders into rehabilitative
initiatives, education and training, and work programs as an alternative to imprisonment.
The new orders were supported by additional Community Corrections resources.
The NT Government committed to introduce 26 more beds in rehabilitation facilities over
three years to direct offenders into treatment and break the cycle of re-offending. In
2011/12, stage 1 of the Venndale Project (Venndale Rehabilitation and Withdrawal Centre,
Kalano Community Association) in Katherine saw five beds introduced. Planning continues
for the introduction of a further ten, including five in Alice Springs and a further five at
Venndale in 2012/13. Plans for an ambulatory model of this program are in place for
Tennant Creek and will be implemented in 2012/13. Existing residential beds will be used for
the Darwin program in 2012/13 until new beds are introduced in 2013/14.
10.2 Supply Reduction
10.2.1 Reduce the supply of illegal drugs (both current and emerging)
NT Police Remote Area Drug Strategy
The NT Police Remote Area Drug Strategy continued to target the supply and possession of
cannabis and other drugs in Indigenous communities across the Top End of the NT. The
Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk (SAID) is an additional strategy that operates from
Central Australia in a collaborative approach between the NT, Western Australia and South
Australia jurisdictions. Both these strategies are successful in the targeting of persons who
possess and supply drugs into the remote communities of the NT.
‘Drug Dog’ illicit substance detection
NT Police Drug Dogs have continued to play an active role in drug detection both in the
Darwin and Alice Springs areas. Drug dogs play a crucial role in assisting police to detect the
importation and export of cannabis and amphetamines on a domestic and international
basis and also assisting with drug detection in private residents. Drug dogs have also been
utilised to detect illicit substances being transported on buses and other forms of transport
travelling through the NT. The success of the drug dogs has allowed illicit substances to be
detected and seized prior to transportation into communities throughout the NT
10.2.2 Control and manage the supply of alcohol, tobacco and other legal drugs
Alcohol
132
Alcohol supply management initiatives have been introduced under the Northern Territory
Liquor Act, which include alcohol restricted (dry) areas.

East Arnhem Shire areas such as Nhulunbuy and Alyangula (Groote Eyelandt) require
residents and visitors to have liquor permit to possess, purchase and or consume
takeaway alcohol. There are many other communities such as Gapuwiyak, also in East
Arnhem Shire, that prohibit alcohol within the community.

The NT Government increased penalties for ‘grog running’ and supply of liquor into dry
areas from $1,000 to $34,250 from 1 July 2011.

In 2010, amendments were made to the Liquor Act to support Liquor Accords. Liquor
Accords enable licensees to form an alliance to ban troublemakers from all premises
within the accord area and to ban the sale and display of problem alcohol products.

Liquor Accords are in place in a number of areas in the NT.
Discussions are continuing between the NT Government and the Commonwealth to reach
agreement on the “Tackling Alcohol Abuse” Implementation Plan (IP) under the Stronger
Futures in the Northern Territory (SFNT) National Partnership Agreement. The
implementation Plan includes the following funded elements:
1. Ensuring long term compliance with the NT Liquor Act through the funding of eight
inspectors in regional and remote communities across the NT;
2. The installation and maintenance of respectful signage on alcohol restrictions;
3. The development, implementation, monitoring and review of AMPs which include
supply reduction, in remote communities and Aboriginal Urban Living Areas in regional
centres (town camps).
4. The funding of an alcohol data unit to collect analyse and report on alcohol indicators
and data to monitor the effectiveness of AMPs in reducing alcohol related harms.
These activities are funded by the Australian Government for ten years and are
targeted at tackling the effects of alcohol abuse on Aboriginal people in the NT and at
empowering Aboriginal communities to develop their own solutions to alcohol harms
in their community.
Tobacco
The NT AODP is the lead agency in coordinating population level tobacco control strategies
including:
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Quitline telephone counselling service and Quit group counselling courses to help
smokers quit;
social marketing activities and public health warning campaigns;
training programs for health professionals on quit smoking strategies;
remote and Indigenous community education and support programs;
Tobacco Incentive Grant program;
implementation of the Tobacco Action Plan 2010 – 2013; and
administration and enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act.
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The AODP allocated a total of $1.38 million to tobacco control in 2011/12 which includes
$1.06 million in funding from the Australian Government under the Closing the Gap National
Partnership Agreement.
Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA) Management Areas and Plans
There are currently a total of 22 Management Areas and 18 Management Plans in effect
across the NT. All NT Police Officers are authorised persons under the Volatile Substance
Abuse Prevention Act and an additional five persons have completed the requirements to
become an authorised person.
In Central Australia, nine Management Areas have been declared and eight Management
Plans are in place. A further plan has been approved and will be implemented in the near
future.
In the Top End there are 13 Management Areas declared and nine Management Plans in
place. Two further plans are under final negotiation with the community and police.
The Opal fuel rollout is a significant contributor to a successful Volatile Substance Abuse
management plan. This is an Australian Government initiative, supported by the NT
Government, Volatile Substance Abuse Prevention Act Legislation and Community
Development process.
10.3 Harm Reduction
10.3.1 Reduce harms to community safety and amenity
Reducing alcohol related harms to community safety and amenity
NT Police continue to develop and implement operations that target anti-social behaviour
that stems from abuse of alcohol and other substances. These operations are intelligence
led with officers targeting hot spots and repeat offenders. Where appropriate, operations
are coordinated with resources from Housing safety officers and local Councils.
NT Police continue to maintain a rigorous program of Random Breath Testing throughout
the NT and in particular at identified hot spots and during peak activity periods on
weekends.
Reducing tobacco related harms to community safety and amenity
Legislation is a key tool to protect Territorians from the harms of secondhand smoke, and to
reduce inappropriate promotion and marketing of cigarettes and tobacco.
The 2010 amendments to the NT Tobacco Control Act took effect in 2011. These
amendments included the requirement that all outdoor eating and drinking areas in the NT
be smoke free, protecting patrons and staff from harms associated with second hand smoke.
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Liquor licensed premises may exempt a small part of their outdoor areas (up to a maximum
of 50%) for smoking areas however this is subject to strict regulatory restrictions.
The changes also include a ban on the display of all tobacco products at the point of sale
from 2011. Under this new legislation, a tobacco retail licensee must ensure that tobacco
products cannot be seen from inside or outside any retail outlet. Reducing this tobacco
industry marketing is important in reducing smoking uptake in children.
NT Correctional Services is planning to make all its prisons smoke free by July 2013. Charles
Darwin University, another major NT institution, is also planning for all its campuses to go
smoke free in January 2013. Some NT sporting facilities are now smoke free.
Managing alcohol related violence and antisocial behaviour in public areas
Amendments to the Liquor Act in 2010 introduced a capacity to create ‘designated areas’.
NT Police are able to ban troublemakers for up to 48 hours from designated precinct areas
for incidents involving alcohol related violence and antisocial behaviour. Courts may impose
the ban for up to 12 months.
10.3.2 Reduce harms to families
Alcohol Management Plans
Alcohol Management Plans aim to deliver local responses to reduce alcohol related harms to
all members of communities, including families.
The Licensed Social Club research project
The Licensed Social Club research project has been commissioned jointly by the NT
Government (through the Department of Justice) and the Commonwealth Government
(through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs)
and funded by the Commonwealth.
The purpose of the research is to determine the levels of alcohol related harm associated
with social clubs operating in Aboriginal communities in the NT and to identify any factors
which may contribute to responsible drinking and safer communities, which could be applied
to existing licensed social clubs.
The research will assist in informing policy considerations on the role of licensed social clubs
in promoting responsible drinking and guiding best practice in the operations of licensed
social clubs in the NT.
10.3.3 Reduce harms to individuals
Northern Territory Needle and Syringe Program (NT NSP)
The Northern Territory Needle and Syringe Program (NT NSP) was established in 1989 and is
overseen by the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Unit within the Department of Health.
The NT NSP is implemented in accordance with the objectives and priorities identified by the
national strategic framework.
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The NT NSP is comprised of three primary outlets and ten secondary outlets, as well as a
number of pharmacy-based outlets. Primary outlets provide a broad range of injecting
equipment alongside information, support and referral services for people who inject drugs,
and facilities for the safe disposal of used injecting equipment. Secondary and pharmacybased outlets typically provide a limited range of sterile injecting equipment and disposal
facilities.
Primary outlets are managed by the Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council (NTAHC)
and are located in Darwin, Palmerston and Alice Springs. Secondary outlets are located at
Clinic 34s (overseen by the DOH) in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek and
Nhulunbuy, and at hospital emergency departments in Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant
Creek and Nhulunbuy. There is also a secondary outlet located at the Yulara Medical Centre
in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
The DOH commissioned Anex Australia to undertake a review of the NT NSP in order to
assess (a) the extent to which the objectives of the NSP had been achieved and (b) whether
current NSP services represented the most effective and efficient means for achieving these
objectives. Published in November 2011, the final report highlighted emerging issues in
relation to patters of injecting drug use and services for people who inject drugs and
identified the 17 recommendations.
An NT NSP Working Group was established during the latter half of 2011/12 and shall ensure
the recommendations of the Review of the Needle and Syringe Program in the NT are
implemented, as appropriate, in order to strengthen harm reduction services for people who
use drugs in the NT. Its work continues into 2012/13.
NT Early Intervention Pilot Program (NTEIPP) – targeting youth binge drinking
NT Police received three years funding to June 2013 under the Australian Government
National Binge Drinking Strategy initiative to deliver the NT Early Intervention Pilot Program
(NTEIPP). The NTEIPP currently delivers in the formal pilot pites of Darwin, Katherine and
Alice Springs and in remote communities. The program aims to reduce the incidence and
harm of underage youth binge-drinking and other substances and is informed by ‘what
works’ evidence based practice to deliver information and resources to police and
community partners.
NTEIPP operates on both community development practice and a harm minimisation model,
focusing on partnerships to develop community ownership and solutions to youth bingedrinking. Resources are introduced through three-hour workshops that provide practical
tools to engage young people regarding alcohol and other drugs. NTEIPP also supports harm
reduction through direct funding of program referrals for youth offenders and works in
partnership with the NT Police Youth Diversion Scheme. The NTEIPP branded products
including posters, wrist bands with NT Alcohol and Drug Information Services (NTADIS)
contact details and other materials are distributed to service providers, Police and direct to
young people at the workshops, youth sessions and youth events.
Other projects and organisations that NTEIPP has supported include:
1. Central Australian Alcohol Public Awareness Campaign (CAAPAC) or the Tell em
that’s enough media campaign – funding and other support for the project which
enabled youth created messages and social and traditional media distribution.
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2. Tangentyere Circuit Breaker camps for Alice Springs Youth - significant funding and
in-kind support, an ongoing strategic partnership with Department of Children and
Families in Alice Springs.
3. Cops n Kids and Bluelight Discos/Splash parties Alice Springs - funding and in-kind
and material support at each school holiday program. The NTEIPP Youth Outreach
Officer supported this well accepted and attended Summer School Holiday initiative
which actively engaged police, services and the community.
4. Participation in Drug and Alcohol Free Youth Events including Health Expos and
young persons festivals. Includes assistance, provision of resources and involvement
of other police as needed.
5. Bluelight discos – across the NT and assistance with purchasing of some new
equipment for discos.
6. NAPCAN LoveBites training package includes discussions raising alcohol awareness
with a harm minimisation focus. NTEIPP has established a close working relationship
with NAPCAN staff and continues to provide support to establish the program in the
Territory.
7. CHOICES Road Safety education package - assistance in the development of police
component of the package developed for delivery in schools across the Territory.
8. Binjari Community Katherine – direct involvement in the development of the
Katherine Junior Police Rangers program and continuation of the supportive
relationship with Binjari Health Service and the community through participation in
other events.
9. Holiday Activities for Youth (HAY) Program Katherine - significant involvement and
partnership with the YMCA and NT Police Youth Engagement Police officers in the
planning and delivery of the HAY program in every major school holiday period,
through to supplying supervision, coordination, and assistance with activities
wherever possible.
10. Anglicare NT – an innovative youth engagement and awareness project using peer
education strategies and social media to encourage healthier behaviours in Darwin
and Palmerston.
11. Other remote community engagement – including Maningrida, Tiwi Islands, Wadeye
and other smaller Top End and Central Australian communities.
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11 Australian Capital Territory
11.1 Demand Reduction
11.1.1 Prevent uptake and delay onset of drug use
SupportLink
ACT Policing (ACTP) uses SupportLink on a daily basis to make referrals to several community
organisations and programs. SupportLink is a simple tool to refer at-risk or vulnerable people
into early intervention programs and services that could significantly help them with issues
before they become more serious. Early intervention programs and services reduce the
number of people coming into contact with the criminal justice system. During the reporting
period the total number of referrals made to SupportLink was 5265. This figure includes the
323 referrals made to alcohol and drug diversion programs.
Early Intervention Pilot Program
ACTP and the Health Directorate have partnered in the delivery of the Early Intervention
Pilot Program (EIPP) on behalf of the Australian Government to target under-age drinking.
During the reporting period the ACTP EIPP team were involved in supporting frontline
officers at major events identified as likely to attract under age drinking. This included
events such as Skyfire, the Foreshore Festival, Groovin’ the Moo and Australia Day Live.
Reception areas were set up at these events, with the EIPP team supporting sworn police
officers.to ensure appropriate diversion of young people engaging in underage drinking were
suitably diverted into the EIPP. They were referred to an education session delivered by the
Health Directorate’s Alcohol and Drug Service in an attempt to change their drinking
behaviour.
11.1.2 Support people to recover from dependence and reconnect with the
community
Evaluation of ACT Drug Diversion Programs
The Drug Policy Modelling Program at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre,
University of NSW, is currently finalising the evaluation ACT Drug Diversion Programs. The
evaluation included consideration of improvements that can be made to the current system,
including but not limited to current access, program barriers to be overcome, referral
systems and program components.
The evaluation report and the Government response to that report, is expected to be
finalised in mid 2013.
Review on the need to expand drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in the ACT
The Review on the need to expand drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in the ACT, 2012
was completed in March 2012. The work was undertaken by Dr Rod McQueen and Mr
Andrew Biven who have a background and expertise in drug and alcohol rehabilitation
services. This report is available on the Health Directorate website.
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In summary, key findings from the Review included:
1. a high level of effective communication and cooperation amongst services.
2. no strong evidence of a need to increase the number of residential rehabilitation
beds in the ACT;
3. there is evidence of barriers for many people to accessing rehabilitation programs
which need to be removed;
4. fewer adults than could be expected are accessing and transitioning from the tertiary
level clinical drug treatment service offered by Alcohol and Drug Service – Health
Directorate to ACT residential rehabilitation programs.
Key areas of service gap / need identified by the Review are:

access to non-residential rehabilitation programs;

access to residential and non-residential rehabilitation programs catering for those
on Opioid Maintenance Therapy and those with special needs such as those from
culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Peoples;

engagement in sporting activities, vocational education and employment both during
rehabilitation programs and when people leave programs;

a tertiary level clinical outpatient service offering assessment and treatment for
those with complex alcohol and other drug problems and a strengthened
consultation/ liaison service provided by an interdisciplinary team including a nurse
practitioner;

subsidised support to childcare services for parents accessing drug treatment
services.
Health Directorate Comorbidity (Mental Health and Alcohol, Tobacco or Other Drug
Problems) Strategy 2012-14
The purpose of this Strategy is to clarify directions and priorities for those working with
people at risk of, or experiencing both mental health problems and alcohol, tobacco and
other drug problems. This Strategy is available on the Health Directorate website.
11.2 Supply Reduction
11.2.1 Control and manage the supply of alcohol, tobacco and other legal drugs
Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
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Mandatory responsible service of alcohol training commenced 1 June 2012. Section 194 of
the ACT Liquor Act 2010 provides that RSA training will be required every three years if you
are:



the licensee or a commercial permit holder;
an employee of the licensee or commercial permit holder who serves liquor at the
premises: or,
a crowd controller who works at the premises.
The Office of Regulatory Services (ORS) is producing guidelines to ensure this refresher
occurs
11.3 Harm Reduction
11.3.1 Reduce harms to community safety and amenity
Alcohol Interlock Program
The ACT Government is considering an Alcohol Interlock Program. The public consultation on
the exposure draft of the Road Transport Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 ended on 7
September 2012. The proposed program includes a court ordered alcohol and drug
assessment and then counselling.
Random Roadside Drug Testing (RRDT)
In January 2012, the newly formed Road Safety Operations Team (RSOT), commenced, conducting
random drug testing (RDT) of drivers throughout the ACT, following on from trial testing conducted
in 2011. The roadside saliva tests are able to detect Delta-9-THC (cannabis), methamphetamine and
MDMA (Ecstasy). RDT is often conducted by the RSOT together with random breath testing.
Promoting road safety compliance
During 2011–12 ACTP utilised the ACT Road Safety Calendar strategy, integrating traffic law
enforcement targeting with community messages and media campaigns. During the
reporting period the NRMA–ACT Road Safety Trust Grant 2012 was awarded to ACTP to
undertake market research into risky driver behaviour. This is the first time ACTP has
received this grant. In awarding the research grant to ACTP the Road Safety Trust
acknowledged the importance of better understanding the most influential motivations for
drivers’ speeding and impaired driving. This information will facilitate the development of
more effective strategies and advertising to deal with risky road behaviour.
In December 2011, the Random Drug Testing (RDT) project amalgamated with the
Recognition and Analysis of Plates Identified Team to form the RSOT. The RSOT became
operational in January 2012. ACTP will continue to target high-risk and anti-social drivers in
the ACT. This is a specific priority identified by the Minister for Police and Emergency
Services, Simon Corbell, in the 2012–13 Ministerial Direction.
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Alcohol-related violence in public places
Alcohol-related violence and crime is an Australia-wide problem that will only be resolved
through long-term social and behavioural change.
The Alcohol Crime Targeting Team (ACTT) commenced operations on 1 December 2010 to
coincide with the introduction of the new Liquor Act 2010 (ACT). For the period of 1 July
2011 and June 30 2012 compared to 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2012, ACTP recorded a 13.3 per
cent decrease in alcohol related crime. During the reporting period ACTP also conducted 782
inspections of licensed premises and issued 554 criminal infringement notices for offences
such as consuming alcohol in a public place and refusing to leave licensed premises.
The ACTT aims to decrease alcohol related harms in the community by enforcement,
engagement and education. The ACTT convened the Multi-Agency Liquor Taskforce (MALT),
an inter-agency forum to address issues within and around licensed premises. The goal of
the taskforce is to reduce the impact of alcohol-related harm to society and prevent antisocial behaviour. Stakeholders include the Australian Hotels Association, Clubs ACT,
licensees from various outlets in Woden, the Office of Regulatory Services, and ACTP.
Meetings are held quarterly with the aim of finding long-term sustainable solutions to
alcohol-related violence. For example, the MALT sponsored the Skyfire (fireworks) event.
This was an opportunity to actively engage with the Canberra community, in particular, the
high-risk alcohol-consuming young people. Crowds at Skyfire traditionally consist of
teenagers, young adults and family groups, and it is one of the few all-age events in the ACT
where alcohol is permitted. The high number of young people attending Skyfire makes it an
ideal opportunity to promote targeted crime prevention messages around young people and
risky drinking. ACTP integrated approach at Skyfire in 2012 included a social media
campaign, supported by traditional media and community engagement including on-theground police and education activity as well as a partnership with Directions ACT (nongovernment alcohol and other drug treatment service). An education display marquee, a
campaign video (‘Too many drinks and you’re a galah’), and a table with brochures and free
merchandise, including wrist bands, glow sticks and ‘galah’ branded bottles of water. ACTP
believe this approach was a big success, with a 60 per cent decrease from 2011 in the
number of intoxicated teenagers taken into protective custody at Skyfire 2012.
Operation Unite
ACTP continues its commitment to participate in Operation Unite, a weekend of action
against alcohol related crime, conducted in collaboration with all Australian and New
Zealand police. Operation Unite builds on the significant work being undertaken by police
and partner agencies, and is part of our long-term strategy in dealing with alcohol-related
crime.
11.3.2 Reduce harms to individuals
Draft Strategic Framework for the Management of Blood-Borne Viruses in the Alexander
Maconochie Centre 2012-2014
The ACT Government’s original stance when the ACT adult prison, the Alexander
Maconochie Centre (AMC) was opened was to strive for a drug free jail. It was agreed that
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the jail would open without access to a needle and syringe program and that the situation
would be reviewed after 18 months of operation.
A report published by the Burnet Institute in April 2011 showed high rates of hepatitis C
amongst detainees, reported evidence of injecting while in prison, and evidence of the
presence of injecting equipment. Further, the Burnet Institute recommended that the
Government give consideration to introducing a trial needle and syringe program in the
AMC.
In May 2011, the Health Minister Katy Gallagher MLA commissioned the Public Health
Association of Australia (PHAA) to examine how a needle and syringe program could work in
the AMC. The PHAA Report and the Government’s response to it have now been released
and are available on the Health Directorate’s website.
A Blood Borne Virus (BBV) Strategy has been developed to promote transparency and
accountability in the prevention and management of blood borne virus infections in the
AMC. The BBV Strategy outlines actionable priority areas including the proposal for
detainees to have access to clean injecting equipment.
Overdose management program that provides naloxone on prescription to potential
overdose victims
The naloxone overdose management training program for opioid users and other potential
witnesses is delivered by the local injecting drug users’ support and advocacy group, the
Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy. Eligible participants who
successfully complete this training program will be prescribed naloxone by a General
Practitioner. The program commenced in late 2011 and will target up to 200 participants.
The program will be evaluated by an external evaluation team led by Associate Professor
Paul Dietze (Alcohol and Other Drug Research Institute) and Professor Simon Lenton
(National Drug Research Unit).
Mental Health Community Policing Initiative
The ACTP Mental Health Community Policing Initiative (MHCPI) had been in place for a full
year by June 2012. The MHCPI was established following a review conducted in 2010 into
how our frontline police recognise, relate and respond to people in our community who are
in mental health crisis when they come to police attention. People experiencing mental
health issues are at increased risk of alcohol and/or drug use. Police are often the first
responders to emergency incidents involving people with mental health issues. The review
report estimated that 10 per cent of all incidents responded to by police had a mental health
component, and that approximately 80 minutes was spent on each job in providing support
to the person in need.
The three-pronged approach of the MHCPI includes:
1. A mental health training package which is manadatory for sworn members and identified
unsworn staff of ACTP, adapted for the ACT community from the NSW Police model.
Mental health professionals, including psychiatrists and psychologists conduct
information sessions on the signs and symptoms of mental illness, vulnerable sub
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groups and co-occurring mental illness and alcohol and drug use. The four-day training
package includes speakers from a number of government and non-government mental
health organisations. As of 30 June 2012, 198 ACTP members have undertaken this
training.
2. A trial of embedding mental health clinicians into ACTP Operations (the communications
command centre) to directly support the frontline by identifying the most effective
response to an individual’s health through professional expertise and real-time access to
the Mental Health ACT Database. This initiative has been successful with clinicians
working an 8-9 hour shift, Thursday to Sunday during periods of high demand. During
this reporting period ACTP has been involved in around 65 incidents per week that have
a mental health element. During this period the clinicians based in ACTP Operations
received 1394 referrals. It is anticipated that the clinicians will be covering shifts in ACTP
Operations 7 days a week from March 2013.
3. A psychologist from Mental Health ACT works alongside two experienced sworn officers
within the MHCPI.. The role of the psychologist is to help inform best practice with
respect to mental health issues and to strengthen interagency partnerships. During the
life of the MHCPI there has been an overall increase in the number of times where
members are contacting Triage (the clinicians) when faced with a mental health job. The
number of Emergency Actions enacted by Police has significantly dropped during the
same period. The MHCPI aims to improve ACTP response to people in our community
living with mental health issues when they come into contact with police, and to
improve interoperability between agencies.
This mental health reform is a result of an agreement and partnership between ACTP,
Mental Health ACT, Calvary Health Care ACT, The Canberra Hospital and the ACT Ambulance
Service. A 12-month review of the MHCPI was undertaken and its effectiveness supports the
recommendation for it to continue.
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Reports and research supporting the NDS
12.1 IGCD Cost Shared Funding Model
The IGCD Cost Shared Funding Model (CSFM) is to fund projects of national significance in
the drug and alcohol field. Each State and Territory, as well as the Australian and New
Zealand Governments, participate in the IGCD CSFM, contributing a proportion of funding
based upon the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics population figures.
In 2011–2012 the following CSFM projects were active:
12.1.1 National Clinical Guidelines and Policy on Opioid Substitution Treatment
The lead agency for this project is the Australian Government Department of Health and
Ageing. The project will update the National Clinical Guidelines and Procedures for the use of
Methadone in the Maintenance Treatment of Opioid Dependence (2003); the Clinical
Guidelines for the Use of Naltrexone in the Management of Opioid Dependence (2003); the
National Clinical Guidelines for the Procedures for the use of Buprenorphine in the Treatment
of Opioid Dependence (2006); and the National Pharmacotherapy Policy for People
Dependent on Opioids (2007).
The objectives of the project are to prepare:

updated and current evidence-based national clinical guidelines for the management
of pharmacotherapy maintenance; and

an updated national pharmacotherapy policy including issues related to diversion.
The updated clinical guidelines and policy will provide a concise national document that
gives a context and framework for pharmacotherapy maintenance in Australia.
12.1.2 Examination of the ‘hidden’ harms from alcohol and other drug use in
crime, the community, public safety and amenity
The lead agency for this project is South Australia Police. The objectives of this project
include:

undertaking a comprehensive review of existing data and research into the nature,
extent and impacts of alcohol and other drug use on crime, the community, public
safety and amenity;

consulting with key law enforcement, local government and other informants to
identify the ‘hidden’, intangible and indirect harms associated with alcohol and other
drug use on crime, the community, public safety and amenity, and indicate how
often these consequences are related to such use;

examining the options for the development of a methodology for measuring the
impact and cost of these ‘hidden’ harms to communities and/or governments; and

developing a report detailing the findings from the review and consultations with
recommendations for future work.
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12.1.3 Development of a National Pharmaceutical Drug Misuse Strategy
The lead agency for this project is the Department of Health, Victoria. The aim of the
Strategy is to reduce the diversion and misuse of pharmaceutical drugs and associated
harms. The objectives of the Strategy include:

supporting the ongoing development of an effective regulatory regime for
pharmaceutical drugs;

preventing the supply of pharmaceutical drugs being used for non-medical purposes;

enhancing the capacity of law enforcement, health and other agencies to prevent
and respond to the issues of pharmaceutical drug misuse;

developing national data, knowledge and skills regarding the issue to inform policy
regulation; and

intervention practice.
12.1.4 Development of a National Population-Based Drug and Alcohol Service
Planning Model
The lead agency for this project is NSW Health. The objective of the project is to estimate
the resources needed in a national population-based model for drug and alcohol service
planning (e.g. FTE staff per 100,000 population, and beds per 100,000 population). A
national population-based model for drug and alcohol service planning will:


provide transparency and consistency across all jurisdictions for estimating the need
for drug and alcohol services, across the spectrum from prevention and early
intervention to the most intensive treatment; and
provide the same basis for all jurisdictions to estimate the gap between current need
being met, and the resources required to fill that gap.
12.2 The National Drug Research Centres of Excellence
Under the National Drug Strategy, the Australian Government provides core funding to three
National Drug Research Centres of Excellence (the Centres). These are the National Drug
and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), the National Drug Research Institute (NDRI) and the
National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA). Core funding enables the
Centres to build the capacity of the sector by undertaking drug and alcohol research,
through the training of young researchers, the planning and execution of key original
research studies, providing advice to the IGCD, and collaboration with key community,
clinical and research groups, broad stakeholders, family and consumer groups. These efforts
inform national substance misuse prevention, early intervention, treatment and service
improvement efforts.
The functions of the Centres are to facilitate evidence based policy development and
community awareness with the overarching aim of reducing the harms associated with
alcohol, tobacco and other drug misuse.
In 2012, the Australian Government established the Collaborative Network of the National
Drug Research Centres of Excellence with the Commonwealth Department of Health and
Ageing. NDARC is leading the Collaborative Network which will provide a forum for regular
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discussions on the latest drug and alcohol research with the aim of improving the interface
between policy and research
12.3 National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)
The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) is based at the University of New
South Wales in Sydney and has an outstanding national and international reputation for
excellence in research and data collection in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) field. The
Centre conducts high quality research and related activities with the goal of increasing the
effectiveness of Australian and international treatment interventions, policy responses and
reducing alcohol and drug-related harm. NDARC along with NCETA and NDRI work closely
within a strategic collaborative framework to enhance overall national research capacity.
Programs within NDARC include Epidemiology and Drug Monitoring Systems, Interventions
Research, the Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP) and the National Cannabis Prevention
and Information Centre (NCPIC). NDARC has continued to make a national and international
impact in 2011-12 with the successful completion of major research projects and the
publication of over 200 journal articles, technical reports, monographs and books.
Dissemination remains a Centre priority, with staff continuing to present their findings both
nationally and internationally with more than 250 presentations including conference
papers, seminars, workshops and invited lectures. In addition we provided 200 community
education workshops nationally, of which 150 were provided by the National Cannabis
Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) based at NDARC.
NDARC also runs its own research conferences targeted at the drug alcohol sector,
government policy makers and clinicians. The NDARC Annual Research Symposium has been
developed and expanded to attract a broader external audience across the sector. One day
conferences run by NDARC’s Drug Trends team and the Drug Policy Modelling Program
(DPMP) were also highly successful. NCPICs International Cannabis Conference was held in
Brisbane, and drew a wide international range of both speakers and conference attendees.
NDARC’s drug monitoring projects, the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) and the Ecstasy
and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) which track drug trends across Australia, as well
as the National Illicit Drug Indicators Project, continue to provide valuable information to a
range of audiences.
Some of the research projects completed during 2011-12 include the following [a
comprehensive list of research projects can be viewed on the NDARC website.
NDARC completed projects July 2011 – June 2012:

Pap test screening for cervical cancer among women with a substance use hospital
admission in NSW

Increasing access to effective harm reduction interventions for vulnerable and
marginalised young drug users

Tasmanian Opioid prescribing project: a blueprint for the future

Web-based intervention for cannabis use

Alcohol use disorders in young adults: "youthful epidemic" or "diagnostic bias"
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
Assessing the economic consequences of cannabis policy options

Development of a policy for the management of alcohol use problems amongst
elderly people who are homeless

Organic brain damage after non-fatal Opioid overdose

Patterns and correlates of cannabis use in young adulthood

Supply, demand and harm reduction strategies in Australian prisons: an update

The application of social network analysis to law enforcement strategies in
combating illicit drug markets

Australian government spending on drugs (drug budgets)

Preventing adolescent cannabis use through web-based graphic warning images

Process evaluation of the Cannabis Information and Helpline

Telephone counselling via the Cannabis Information Helpline

Update of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Australia: Monograph of the
Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs Working Party on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorders

Development of an Opioid aberrant drug behaviour scale for use in multiple
healthcare settings

A consultant to evaluate the Australian Capital Territory drug diversion programs

Client Satisfaction with GP Cannabis Use Interventions

Examination of the long-term physical health effects of regular cannabis use

IDRS/EDRS policy influence assessment

Improving services to families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Improving services to women who are pregnant and alcohol dependent

The cost of homelessness and the net benefit of homelessness programs: a national
study

The 'ice epidemic': an analysis of the policy context, process and outcomes

Tracking the course of substance-induced versus independent depression: diagnostic
change upon follow-up?

'Breaking the ice': development of an online early intervention program for people
using psycho stimulants

Clearing the Cloud

The characteristics of cannabis in Australia
12.3 National Drug Research Institute (NDRI)
The National Drug Research Institute’s (NDRI) mission is to conduct and disseminate policy
and practice relevant research that contributes to the primary prevention of harmful drug
147
use and the reduction of drug-related harm. Based at Curtin University in Perth, and with a
satellite office in Melbourne, NDRI works in partnership and collaboration with a broad
range of agencies and research centres locally, nationally and internationally. The Institute is
a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for the Prevention of Alcohol and
Drug Abuse and a Curtin University Tier 1 Research Centre.
During the reporting period, core funding from the Australian Government provided a strong
base enabling the Institute to obtain additional support from Curtin University, competitive
research funds and government tenders.
NDRI engaged in a range of research activities relevant to policy, prevention and practice.
This included: Professor David Moore’s work on young people, drug use and access to
services; Professor Sherry Saggers examining the importance of investment in the early
years; Professor Simon Lenton successfully making the case to trial wider availability of
naloxone to reduce opioid overdose deaths; Professor Tanya Chikritzhs’ extensive work on
alcohol related harm; Dr Nyanda McBride’s continued efforts to reduce alcohol related harm
among school children; and, Professor Dennis Gray and Associate Professor Ted Wilkes’ work
on enhancing the management of alcohol problems and in examining the long-term impact
of licensing restrictions in Central Australia.
As well as engaging in a broad range of research activities, staff also produced significant
research outputs. Professor David Moore and Suzanne Fraser (then Monash University) coedited and launched The Drug Effect: Health, Crime and Society, a new textbook that
examines social and cultural meanings of drug use and analyses law enforcement and public
health frameworks. The report of the National Summit on Tobacco in Prisons was released.
The Summit aimed to develop a nationally agreed framework to identify the policy and
research needs regarding smoking in prisons. Several NDRI staff also contributed to the
Reducing Alcohol-Related Harm In The Workplace report for VicHealth.
NDRI’s international research activity and collaborative networks expanded during the
reporting period, particularly into Europe and Asia. For example, NDRI took a leading role - in
collaboration with Monash University and the Burnet Institute - in organising the
international conference on drug use, Beyond the Buzzword: Problematising ‘drugs’, which
was held at Monash’s Prato campus in Italy. The replication of the School Health and Alcohol
Harm Reduction Project (SHAHRP) in Brazil was initiated and the Centre of Economic
Performance at the London School of Economics, and Political Science judged SHAHRP to be
one of ten evidence based programs to be incorporated into UK Personal and Wellbeing
Curriculum in Secondary schools. Dr Chitlada Areesantichai, from the Drug Dependence
Research Centre at Chulolongkorn University in Bangkok, spent three months at NDRI
completing a program of study to enhance her statistical expertise, especially in relation to
alcohol research. The Assistant Dean of the College of Public Health Sciences, Dr Usaneya
Perngparn, also from Chulolongkorn, also spent a week at NDRI reviewing drug treatment
services in Western Australia and exploring future collaborative research and teaching
opportunities between the two centres.
A number of NDRI’s PhD scholars completed their doctorates, including Christine Siokou on
the ethnography of party drug use in Melbourne and Beatriz Cuesta Briand on health
inequalities and chronic disease. PhD scholar Tina Lam launched preliminary findings of her
PhD research showing that parents’ attitudes towards alcohol use and supply have a
significant influence on how much young people drink at school leaver celebrations. Then-
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PhD Scholar Monica Barratt, who leads NDRI’s research activities into the impact of new
technologies on drug use, made a submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s
National Classification Scheme Review, which focused on the effect of the internet on
discussions about drugs and drug-taking behaviour, and other staff contributed to a
submission to a Commonwealth Parliamentary Committee inquiry into developing a national
approach to the prevention, intervention and management of FASD in Australia.
Several staff were acknowledged for their important contributions to research and to the
drug field in general. For example, alcohol policy expert Professor Tanya Chikritzhs received
the Commonwealth Health Minister’s Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Research
in recognition of her outstanding individual achievement into research that focuses on the
epidemiology of alcohol. During the reporting period, Professor Chikritzhs was also
acknowledged as one of Australia’s top researchers with an NHMRC Achievement Award
after her Career Development Fellowship application was ranked first nationally in the
Population Health Level 1 category. NDRI Indigenous researcher Ted Wilkes, co-Team Leader
of NDRI’s Indigenous Australian Research Team, received the 2011 Public Health Association
of Australia WA President’s Award in recognition of a long-term contribution to public health
locally and nationally.
NDRI staff also continued to contribute to many community and policy groups through
personal and organisational membership of bodies such as the Australian National Council
on Drugs, the National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (which Professor Wilkes
chairs), NHMRC research panels, the Australian National Preventive Health Agency and
Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs’ expert panels.
NDRI continued to widely disseminate its research findings to policy makers, practitioners,
public health professionals, other researchers, interest groups and the community through
various means, including publications, presentations, research bulletins, CentreLines
newsletter and the media. Several NDRI staff also contributed to presentations at the
Current Work, Future Direction: A Snapshot Of Alcohol And Other Drug Research At The
National Drug Research Institute seminar delivered in Canberra and Melbourne.
Further information about NDRI and its activities can be found at ndri.curtin.edu.au.
12.4 National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA)
NCETA has increasingly focused on developing and consolidating its research role in relation
to AOD workforce development, dissemination and a range of related areas. NCETA’s
expanded research program throughout 2011-12 included greater emphasis on original
studies and secondary data analysis involving a diverse array of quantitative and qualitative
research initiatives. NCETA’s key research program areas included:

Workforce development/capacity building

Identifying and responding to workplace AOD issues

Law enforcement

Children and young people

Indigenous AOD workforce development

Identifying and responding to emerging drug-specific issues.
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Outlined below is an overview of NCETA’s 1) new research projects, 2) ongoing projects and
3) recently completed work.
New Projects
New projects undertaken throughout 2011-12 included:

Development of guidelines for Australia’s Alcohol and Other Drug Telephone Services
to offer a benchmark for states and territories to assist them in offering consistent
telephone services, whilst allowing for variability in services offered between
jurisdictions

A systematic literature review of workplace mental illness and substance use
disorders in male-dominated industries which found that Multi-modal interventions
such as alcohol screening, social support, peer interventions, workload adjustment,
improved work environments, and policy implementation showed most promise of
effectiveness.

An evaluation of voluntary smoking restrictions in South Australian outdoor
hospitality venues. This showed that while there was no discernible change in the
number of licensed venues providing designated smoke-free outdoor areas, there
was an apparent shift in community sentiment in regard to smoke-free outdoor areas
with patrons preferring to see smoke-free outdoor areas in licensed premises. A
qualitative study of the health and wellbeing of NSW TAFE hospitality trainees. .
Preparatory work in 2011-12 involved establishing a collaborative working
relationship with NSW TAFE; identifying research issues; and establishing a study
population and best ways to access this population.

Participating in a Youth Binge Drinking project in collaboration with the Southern
Collective Response (SCRYBD) to address binge drinking by young people in the
Marion and Onkaparinga City Council areas.
A comprehensive overview of NCETA research projects can be found on the NCETA website.
Continuing Projects
Ongoing major research areas during 2011-2012 included:

(FaHCSIA funded, so not relevant in the IGCD report)National Alcohol Data
Knowledgebase (NADK), a comprehensive nationally consistent alcohol and drug
knowledgebase that standardises the use, analysis and interpretation of key alcoholand drug-related datasets.

Australia’s first National Pharmaceutical Drug Misuse Strategy (NPDMS) was
undertaken and completed by an NCETA-led Consortium. This is due for release in
2013. A series of papers, reports and an ongoing program of research also resulted
from this project.

Training Reviews and Workforce Development of Vocational Education and Training
(VET). This consisted of a national survey of Australian training providers who deliver
alcohol and other drug qualifications through Registered Training Organisations
(RTOs) with the aim of examining the content and delivery of AOD qualifications, the
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demand for and availability of these courses, and the development of a national
database of RTOs.
Completed Projects & Resource Development
The following is a brief summary of major research projects completed and subsequent
resource development initiatives undertaken by NCETA. Key projects completed included:
A study of Indigenous Worker Wellbeing which resulted in the development of resources
such as an Indigenous WFD checklist, Talking Stones, “Feeling Deadly” cards, peer reviewed
publications, and case studies. A further set of resources are being developed.
A National Review of the Enforcement Provisions in Liquor Licensing Legislation which
included a comprehensive review of liquor licensing legislation and associated administrative
and regulatory systems in each of the eight states and territories. The project identified
similarities and differences in legislation, administrative regimes, and enforcement practices.
The review enabled the identification and promotion of best practice enforcement tools for
use in the development of liquor licensing legislation.
Dissemination Activities
NCETA continues to expand and consolidate its workplace initiatives. The Centre developed
a Business Plan for its workplace consultancy services in 2012 and provides workplaces with
information about the prevalence and impact of alcohol and drug use on the workplace,
potential strategies to reduce associated harms, and advice about organisations’ existing
alcohol and drug policies and procedures. During 2011/12 NCETA:

Conducted workshops on workplace alcohol and other drug issues for new SafeWork
SA Inspectors (November 2011)

Provided workplace alcohol and other drug information sessions to groups such as
Svitzer Australia (September 2012)

Attended the American Chamber of Commerce meetings which focused on
Australia's Mining Boom and the Prospects for Business.

Delivered various presentations and workshops on a range of workplace AOD issues
to South Australian-based organisations, including:
o the Australian Institute of Management (March 2012)
o Self-Insurers of South Australia (April 2012)
o the Department of Transport Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) Field Services
Managers OH&S Conference (July 2012)
o Attended a presentation, in June 2012, at the invitation of SA Health, by
Dame Carol Black on Work, Health and Productivity. NCETA used this
presentation as an opportunity to promote and disseminate its work on
addressing workplace alcohol and other drug issues to a broader South
Australian audience.
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Conference presentations and peer reviewed publications
NCETA’s research dissemination activities during 2011/12 included 33 conference
presentations and distribution of approximately 6000 resources nationally and
internationally.
Committee Memberships
NCETA staff continues to serve on a variety of national committees and have also been
invited to provide expert advice to a range of national meetings. The diverse nature of these
committees and meetings reflect the Centre’s priority research areas including the
promotion of family sensitive practice in the alcohol and other drug sector, improving data
collection systems and better utilisation of data, and advancing workforce development
approaches at a national and a jurisdictional level.
12.5 National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund (NDLERF)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund (NDLERF) was established in 1999 by the
Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy to promote and fund quality evidence-based practice in
law enforcement. The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing funds the NDLERF
as part of its commitment to the National Drug Strategy. NDLERF supports the
implementation of the NDS by:

funding research which leads to quality evidence-based practice in drug law
enforcement;

facilitating experimentation and innovation in drug law enforcement practices;

enhancing strategic alliances and linkages between law enforcement personnel,
human service providers, and research agencies; and

preventing and reducing the harmful effects of licit and illicit drug use in Australian
society.
During the 2011-2012 financial year NDLERF outputs included:
1.
The approval of the following eight grant final reports:








2009/10-230: Law enforcement and Khat: An analysis of current issues
2009/10-129: Dealing with alcohol-related problems and the Night Time
Economy
2009/10-035: The prevention of trauma reactions in police officers
2009/10-118: To assess the utility of obtaining human profiles from drug seizures
2009/10-093: Examining the relative cost effectiveness of different types of law
enforcement directed towards methamphetamine
2009/10-117: Alcohol, assault and licensed premises in inner city areas-scoping
studies and baseline data collection for an evaluation study of best-practice
policing interventions augmented by collaboration with emergency medicine and
local community agencies to reduce alcohol-related assault
2009/10-119: Evaluating the deterrent effect of Random Alcohol Breath Testing
(RBT) and Random Saliva Drug Testing (RDT) – the driver’s perspective
2009/10-039: Innovative solutions for enhanced illicit drugs profiling using
comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
technologies
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2.
The approval of one consultancy report, being:

3.
Four reports were published, which included:




4



2011/12-02: The impact of supply-side drug law enforcement on drug related
harm
2011/12-03: Development of a drink driving program for regional and remote
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
2011/12-09: Characterisation and synthesis of emerging designer drugs in the
Australian ‘legal high’ market: a chemical investigation into the existing market
and potential future trends
2011/12-14: The Online Environment: a precursor to illicit synthetic drug law
enforcement
Four reports were provided for publication in the new financial year, which included:




7.
2009/10-106: The long term impact of methadone maintenance treatment on
criminal behavior and imprisonment
2009/10-101: Drink or Drunk: why do staff of licensed premises continue to serve
patrons to intoxication despite current law and interventions
2009/10-073: Reducing the methamphetamine problem in Australia: evaluating
innovative partnerships between police, pharmacies and other third parties
2009/10-230: Law enforcement and Khat: An analysis of current issues
Four new grants projects were approved, which included:

5.
C2010/12: End User Declarations for scheduled precursors and equipment
2009/10-118: To assess the utility of obtaining human profiles from drug seizures
2009/10-119: Evaluating the deterrent effect of Random Alcohol Breath Testing
(RBT) and Random Saliva Drug Testing (RDT) – the driver’s perspective
2009/10-093: Examining the relative cost effectiveness of different types of law
enforcement directed towards methamphetamine
2009/10-129: Dealing with alcohol-related problems and the Night Time
Economy
NDLERF continues to manage six grants and two consultancies, which include:
Grants:

2009/10-226: Policing alcohol and illicit substance misuse among Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people in metropolitan environments
 2009/10-245: Progressing of ‘Targeting the profits of illicit drug trafficking
through proceeds of crime action
 200-/10-237: Exploitation of electronic evidence from mobile phone mediated
drug crime
 2009/10-258: Prohibiting public drinking: Determining the impact on police, the
community and marginalised groups
 2009/10- 256: Hair drug testing – Hair drug analysis to identify cases of drug
facilitated sexual assault
 2010/11- 03: Patron Offending and Intoxication in Night Time Entertainment
Districts
Consultancies:
153


C2010/10: Off-site Outlets and Alcohol Related Harm
C2010/11: An empirical basis for the ratio of crowd controllers of patrons
154
Appendix A: List of Contributors
ACT Health
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
Australian Federal Police
Australian Federal Police (regional)
Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
Australian National Council on Drugs
National Centre for Education on Training and Addiction
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre
National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund
National Drug Research Institute
Northern Territory Department of Health and Families
Northern Territory Police
NSW Health
NSW Police
Queensland Health
Queensland Police
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia
South Australia Police
Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services
Tasmania Police
Victorian Department of Human Services
Victoria Police
Western Australia Health
Western Australia Police
155
Appendix B: IGCD membership 2011-12
IGCD Member
Jurisdiction
Brett Guerin* (Chair)
Victoria Police
Neil Guard * (Deputy Chair)
Drug and Alcohol Office, Western Australia
Colleen Krestensen *
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
Troy Czabania
Australian Customs and Border Protection Services
Tim Slattery
Australian Federal Police
Anthony Coles*
Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department
Kate Waterhouse
Australian Government Department of Education,
Employment and Workplace Relations
Patrick Paroz
New South Wales Police
Fiona Wynn*
New South Wales Ministry of Health
Judith Abbott*
Victorian Department of Health
William Kingswell
Queensland Health
Dan Keating *
Queensland Police
James Migro
Western Australian Police
Simone Cormack
Drug and Alcohol Services, South Australia
Paul Dickson*
South Australia Police
Sylvia Engels
Tasmania Health
Donna Adams
Tasmania Police
Joanne Earl
Department of Health, Northern Territory
Tony Fuller
Northern Territory Police
Helene Delany
ACT Health Directorate
David Price
ACT Policing
Oliver Poppelwell
Ministry of Health, New Zealand
Ben Young
New Zealand Police
* membership on the IGCD Executive committee.
156
The Australian Crime Commission and the Australian National Preventive Health Agency
both have observer status on the IGCD.
References
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society in 2004-05. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2011. 2010 National Drug Strategy
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Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2003. Alcohol and other drug treatment
services in Australia 2001-02: report on the national minimum data set. AIHW cat. No. HSE
28. Canberra: AIHW.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2010. Alcohol and other drug treatment
services in Australia 2008-09: report on the national minimum data set. Drug treatment
series no. 10. Cat no. HSE 92. Canberra: AIHW.
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