Australian National Council on Drugs

Media Release

Special Advisor on Employment Participation Appointed to the Australian National Council on Drugs

25th  January 2012

Dr John Herron, the Chairman of the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD), today announced that Ms Wilma Gallet had been appointed by the Prime Minister to the ANCD for its 2011–2014 term.

Ms Gallet has been appointed as a Special Advisor on Employment Participation to the ANCD.

Dr Herron said "This is a very important area of work for both the Australian Government and the ANCD this year and in coming years. Developing opportunities for people both in treatment and after completing treatment for substance use problems is a critical component of maintaining successful outcomes.

We know that we have to not only overcome the employment barriers created by the stigma and discrimination that can appear for people with a history of substance use problems but also with the bureaucratic complexities that can make developing new tailored programs or even accessing some current assistance programs very difficult.

The ANCD membership is very pleased to have someone of Ms Gallet's experience and standing to assist in preparing ANCD advice for the Prime Minister, Ministers and relevant Departments such as DEEWR, Human Services and Health on how we can better assist people into work and in a way protect the investment they and the community makes in providing treatment."

For further Information contact Mr Gino Vumbaca, Executive Director of the Australian National Council on Drugs on 0408-244-552

For further information on the work of the ANCD please visit www.ancd.org.au

 Short Biography:

Wilma Gallet has a breadth of experience in senior management positions within the public and community services sectors with over 30 years working in employment services.

She was responsible for establishing The Salvation Army Employment Plus and during her time as the founding CEO developed this to become the largest community provider of employment services.

She has been a key policy influencer in the area of social reform and employment services and participated on a number of sector and government committees and forums, including the Welfare Reform Consultative Forum (2001-2003), the Centrelink Community Reference Group from 2004- 2006 and the National Employment Services Association Board 2004-2005.

Wilma works as a consultant to The Salvation Army providing strategic advice on social policy and practice issues in a range of areas including suicide prevention, homelessness, drug and alcohol services, employment services and family services.

Wilma's perspective on drug and alcohol issues in Australia is focussed on how employment service and homelessness providers and other mainstream agencies respond to people dealing with substance misuse.

Wilma has also authored numerous reports including 'Finding my Place': The struggles of homeless young people, 'Perceptions of Poverty': An insight into the nature and impact of poverty and 'Turning off the Tap': An evidence based approach to prevention and early intervention in homelessness.

She has a Masters in Social Science and other qualifications in Business Administration, Adult Education, Human Resource Management and Quality Management.