Melbourne AOD Agency Forum report

Background

The Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) has determined it will hold an alcohol and other drug (AOD) agency forum in conjunction with its meetings in each State and Territory. Through these forums, the ANCD is able to ensure that the views of non-government, community-based organisations that deal with AOD issues are considered as part of drug policy advice.

The ANCD produces a report from each forum which aims to provide a brief description of the issues raised by forum participants. These reports are available on the ANCD’s internet site to enable forum participants and interested others to access the issues that were discussed. The ANCD also provides a copy of each report to the Premier or Chief Minister, as well as the Minister/s responsible for AOD issues in each jurisdiction, to ensure that the Government is aware of the issues raised.

It should also be noted that the issues raised at the forums are not necessarily areas that the ANCD agrees with or is able to address. They do however provide ANCD members with an important insight into community concerns and perceptions about specific AOD issues. In addition, the ANCD believes that it has an obligation to participants to report the issues and concerns raised in an unfettered manner.

Melbourne 2005

Approximately 70 people from Melbourne and other parts of Victoria participated in the ANCD’s AOD agency forum, which was held at Rydges, Melbourne on 17 March 2005. The forum participants included representatives from a range of non-government organisations and Victorian Government departments.

Major Watters officially welcomed participants to the forum, explained its purpose, and then introduced the Executive Officer of the ANCD, Mr Gino Vumbaca.

Mr Vumbaca gave a presentation that:

Explained the role of the ANCD and its position within the National Drug Strategic Framework;
Highlighted some of the projects that the ANCD has commissioned;
Outlined progress under the Tough on Drugs strategy; and
Provided information about a range of AOD issues.

At the conclusion of his presentation, Mr Vumbaca opened the floor for questions and/or comments about current and emerging AOD issues in Victoria. The following issues were raised:

Comorbidity
Participants commented that comorbidity is a significant issue within the community and it is an area that requires more funding. In addition, it was suggested that due to the high demand for comorbid treatment services there are a number of people who are not receiving adequate treatment for their AOD and mental health issues.
Including the voice of consumers
Participants urged key decision making bodies such as the ANCD and governments to ensure that people with ‘lived experience’ of treatment as well as drug use are given genuine opportunities to be involved in consultation forums and have input into issues such as service delivery and planning.
Recovery
Participants suggested that it is essential that we learn more about the recovery process, especially long term recovery. Further exploration of this issue would allow the community to provide services and support structures that better cater to the needs of individuals in recovery.
Attention on alcohol
Participants were pleased to see that alcohol was once again making its way back onto the public’s agenda, especially when you consider the range of harms it causes within the community. However, they did not yet believe that alcohol issues were receiving enough attention. Participants were also of the opinion that in regard to alcohol there needs to be a greater focus on early intervention initiatives, particularly in rural and regional communities.
Rural and regional communities
Participants commented that rural and regional communities face their own unique problems in regard to AOD issues. Examples of such problems include the limited flexibility in service delivery options and the fact that a number of AOD workers in these areas do not have specialist AOD skills. Questions were asked about what is happening with the Australian Government’s National Illicit Drug Strategy Rural and Regional Initiative, in particular, whether any of the funds allocated to it had been spent.
Families, young people and prevention
Participants sought information about the ANCD’s involvement in prevention activities that relate to families and/or young people. Participants were alerted to the Australian Government’s monograph “The Prevention of Substance Use, Risk and Harm in Australia - A Review of the Evidence” and informed that it provides national and international evidence on best practice in prevention of substance misuse.
Drug law reform
Participants put forward the idea that to reduce drug related harm for drug users governments should explore drug law reform. It was argued that such reforms could provide safer substances and settings etc.
Pharmacotherapy programs
Participants were of the opinion that Victoria needs more public clinics that provide pharmacotherapy services. It was suggested that due to the limited number of public clinics only those individuals who could afford to pay for treatment were able to receive it.
Involvement of the family in treatment
Participants expressed the view that families have a lot to offer in terms of helping family members in treatment. Participants asked that this point be acknowledged and that families are included in the range of resources used to assist people through treatment.
Services for women who have recently given birth and continue to inject drugs
Participants stated that there is a service gap for women who have recently given birth and continue to inject drugs. It was stated that these women and their children need access to appropriate services and support structures.
Emerging trends
Participants noted that the use of drugs for chronic pain, in particular in older people, is increasing. Questions were asked about what strategies were in place to deal with this issue.
Hepatitis C
Participants commented that Hepatitis C infection continues to be a significant problem amongst intravenous drug users. It was suggested that there should be an explicit focus in needle and syringe programs to provide services that cater to the specific needs of those with Hepatitis C. Participants argued that a new national Hepatitis C strategy needs to be developed and it is essential that it actions the recommendations that came out of the review of the previous strategy. Participants also added that the new strategy must be sufficiently funded to ensure that the Australian community can address the levels of Hepatitis C infection.
Long term treatment
Participants noted that a lot of the long term treatment options involve the use of pharmacotherapies. In relation to long term treatment, participants were of the opinion that research needs to examine the following: alternatives to pharmacotherapies; the holistic health effects of pharmacotherapies; and the impact of psychosocial support for people using pharmacotherapies.
Tobacco
Participants commented that tobacco use causes a lot of harm to individuals and the community. It was noted that quitting smoking can be a difficult process for some individuals and it is important that these people are provided with appropriate services and support structures to assist them with this process.
National guidelines for optimal care in pregnancy
Participants were pleased to hear that national guidelines were being developed to support drug dependent women through all stages of pregnancy. However, it was suggested that significant thought and resources will have to go into the dissemination of the guidelines to ensure that they have the maximum chance of being utilised by relevant stakeholders in the sector.
Attitudes toward drug dependent clients
Participants noted that AOD workers’ attitudes towards drug dependent clients have changed over time. It was stated that workers must ensure that they continue to respond to the needs of their clients in a humane manner.

17 March 2005

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