Media release

Federal budget: a real boost — the commitment continues

The Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) has welcomed the continuing commitment by the Federal Government to address a range of drug and alcohol issues in its 2006–07 Budget.

Dr John Herron, the newly appointed Chair of the ANCD stated “My colleagues and I are very pleased that significant funding has been announced tonight for a wide range of initiatives. In particular it is pleasing to see new funds going to assist Indigenous communities, non-government organizations providing treatment, and of course those struggling with mental health and substance use problems. The focus on alcohol, psycho-stimulants and cannabis is also very welcome.”

The 2006–07 Federal Budget revealed the following funding:

Improved services for people with drug and alcohol problems and mental illness
$73.9 million over 5 years
Alerting the community to links between illicit drugs and mental illness
$21.6 million over 4 years
Croc Festivals — additional funding
An additional $2.2 million in 2005-06
DrinkWise Australia — contribution
$5.0 million in 2005-06
Drug and alcohol treatment services — infrastructure grants for non-government organisations
$0.9 million in 2005-06
Counsellors on university campuses — establishment
$19.8 million over four years
Illicit drug use — combating emerging trends
$34.4 million over four years ($23.7 million will provide for a third phase of the National Illicit Drugs Campaign & funding of $10.7 million will also be provided to enhance the National Psychostimulants Initiative.
National Cannabis Control and Prevention Centre — establishment
$14.0 million over four years
National Safe Use of Alcohol Strategy — media campaign
$25.2 million over four years
Asia-Pacific Illicit Drug Initiative — establishment of advisory committee
$1.6 million over four years
Strengthening Indigenous Communities — reducing substance abuse (petrol sniffing)
$55.2 million over four years
Strengthening Indigenous Communities — improving Indigenous health worker employment
$20.5 million over four years

In summing up the ANCD view Dr John Herron added: “With over a quarter of billion dollars announced tonight, this budget is a real boost for the dedicated people working to address drug and alcohol problems in the community. I am sure with this substantial increase in the level of support from the Australian Government, we will reap real benefits for families and communities affected by drug and alcohol misuse in the longer term.”

9 May 2006

The ANCD is the principal advisory body to Government on drug and alcohol issues.

For further information, please contact:

Dr John Herron(ANCD Chair)
0410 369 151

Mr Gino Vumbaca (ANCD Executive Officer)
0408 244 552

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