SA Local Agencies Consultation Forum report

SA Local Agencies Consultation Forum report

Background

The Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) has determined it will hold a local agency forum, in conjunction with its meeting in each State and Territory. These forums form part of the Councils strategy to fulfil its role of representing the views of non-government and community-based organisations working in the drug and alcohol field.

It should be noted that all the issues raised at the Forums are not necessarily areas that the Council will be able to address. They do however provide an important touchstone for the Council's members.

South Australia Local Agency Forum

Approximately 60 people from the South Australian drug and alcohol field, police and government representatives attended a forum hosted by the Council at the Adelaide City Hall on Wednesday, 8 December 1999.

Mr Vumbaca gave an introductory speech, explaining the purpose and the process for the agency forum. He also introduced Major Watters.

Major Watters outlined the role of the Council, some of the key initiatives it is involved in and then introduced the Council members to the participants.

The floor was then opened for questions and comments, discussion being facilitated by Mr Vumbaca.

Council members in attendance were:

Major Brian Watters
Mr Tony Trimingham
Mr Dennis Young
Mr Arthur Toon
Mr Craig Thompson
Mr Scott Wilson
Mrs Tonie Miller
Ms Sue Kerr (Department of Health and Aged Care)
Mr Gino Vumbaca (Secretariat)
Ms Karen Price (Secretariat)

The following themes were raised and discussed throughout the forum:

The level of ignorance in the community regarding the prevalence and effects of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Professional affiliations/associations for non-government agencies in South Australia. Previously a body existed, however due to lack of funding it no longer exists. This reduces the capacity and opportunity for contact, networking and learning between agencies.
Funding for supply reduction initiatives compared with spending on demand reduction initiatives.
The need for care to be taken to ensure the drug strategy and work of the Council does not ignore licit substances (particularly alcohol and tobacco).
The process for accessing diversion funding by community agencies.
School drug education (a) the incorporation of drug education throughout the curriculum and the skill and knowledge teachers require to ensure this is effective, and (b) particular drug education strategies catering for indigenous people.
The current status of the funding made available through the National School Drug Education Strategy.
The need for non-government schools to be involved in consultation and funding processes.
The ANCD contact and consultation with youth. Also, the perceived lack of coordination and contact between youth groups in different States.
Council position on supervised injecting rooms.

Karen Price
ANCD Secretariat

13 December 1999

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