Call for submissions on health impacts of alcohol and other drugs

A new federal parliamentary inquiry will examine the health impacts from alcohol and other drug use.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will undertake an inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia, headed by Dr Mike Freelander MP as committee chair.

The committee is seeking to understand the current challenges in alcohol and drug treatment and examining best practice models from Australia and overseas.

The terms of reference are:

1. assess whether current services across the alcohol and other drugs sector are delivering equity for all Australians, value for money, and the best outcomes for individuals, their families, and society;
2. examine the effectiveness of current programs and initiatives across all jurisdictions to improve prevention and reduction of alcohol and other drug-related health, social and economic harms, including in relation to identified priority populations and ensuring equity of access for all Australians to relevant treatment and prevention services;
3. examine how sectors beyond health, including for example education, employment, justice, social services and housing can contribute to prevention, early intervention, recovery and reduction of alcohol and other drug-related harms in Australia; and
4. draw on domestic and international policy experiences and best practice, where appropriate.

“We know that alcohol and other drugs cause significant harm to individuals, families and indeed communities,” Dr Freelander said.

“As well as having severe health consequences, substance use also erodes economic and social wellbeing, deepening marginalisation and disadvantage.”

“The inquiry will examine our existing alcohol and drug policies, our treatment services and our community programs, while also looking at the workforce that is required to meet the high demand for services in this area.”

The inquiry also wants to hear from organisations and people who support those with addiction problems.

“There are many good organisations providing support for people in our community who are struggling with addiction,” Deputy Chair Julian Leeser MP said.

“This inquiry will be a good opportunity to hear from frontline service providers about the challenges they are dealing with and how we best support them in their work,” Mr Leeser said.

Health professionals, health service providers, peak bodies, federal, state and territory government departments, researchers, and members of the public are being encouraged to engage with the inquiry.

The committee is asking for submissions to be put forward by Monday 30 September 2024. More information is available here.

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