The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has today published an issues paper concerning the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) in Australia.

Media release issue date: Friday, 7 March 2025

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has today published an issues paper concerning the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) in Australia. After launching an inquiry into this topic on 22 August 2024, the Committee received more than 200 written submissions and heard from witnesses across seven days of public hearings in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra. This significant level of public engagement underscores the critical importance of efforts aimed at addressing and curtailing AOD-related harms across the country. ‘Alcohol and other drug use is not just a health issue – it is a complex social challenge that cuts across multiple measures of wellbeing for communities throughout Australia,’ Committee Chair, Dr Mike Freelander MP, stated. Highlighting the often complex and wide-ranging consequences of substance use, Dr Freelander noted that ‘the impacts extend far beyond individual health, touching on critical social issues such as family violence, child protection, community services, and the criminal justice system.’ The issues paper explores several key themes underpinning the evidence presented during the inquiry, such as the national coordination of the AOD sector, service demand and provision, prevention and harm reduction strategies, workforce development and tailored support for high-risk population groups. Recognising the depth and complexity of the inquiry subject matter, the Committee acknowledges that multiple aspects of the terms of reference could not be fully explored within the available time frame. The Committee has recommended that the inquiry be continued in the next Parliament. The report is now available on the Committee's website. Media inquiries Dr Mike Freelander MP – Committee Chair Mike.Freelander.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 4620 0293 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4145 Health.Reps@aph.gov.au

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will convene a series of public hearings next week in support of its inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia. The hearings will be held in Melbourne on 28 and 29 October, and in Brisbane on 30 October 2024.

Media release issue date: Friday, 25 October 2024

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will convene a series of public hearings next week in support of its inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia. The hearings will be held in Melbourne on 28 and 29 October, and in Brisbane on 30 October 2024. Committee Chair, Dr Mike Freelander MP, said that the inquiry had attracted significant public interest since commencing in August. ‘The Committee has received a large number of written submissions highlighting several crucial issues, including the stigma preventing early intervention, links between substance use and domestic violence, and opportunities for better service integration,’ Dr Freelander said. ‘We are looking forward to exploring these issues in greater depth during our public hearings.’ The hearings will be attended by representatives of peak bodies specialising in alcohol and other drugs (AOD) treatment, leading Australian researchers and clinicians, and government and non-government AOD service providers. Public hearings Date: Monday, 28 October 2024 Time: 11.30am – 3.45pm AEDT Location: Mantra on Russell, Melbourne Date: Tuesday, 29 October 2024 Time: 8.45am – 2.15pm AEDT Location: Mantra on Russell, Melbourne Date: Wednesday, 30 October 2024 Time: 10.30am – 4.00pm AEST Location: Queensland Parliament House, Brisbane A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry website. A live audio stream of the hearings will also be available on the APH website. Media inquiries Dr Mike Freelander MP – Committee Chair Mike.Freelander.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 4620 0293 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4145 Health.Reps@aph.gov.au

Alcohol and other drug use is a major cause of preventable illness and death in Australia. Seeking to strengthen the national response to this pressing health concern, 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.

Media release issue date: Monday, 26 August 2024

Alcohol and other drug use is a major cause of preventable illness and death in Australia. Seeking to strengthen the national response to this pressing health concern, 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. In announcing the inquiry, Committee Chair Dr Mike Freelander MP said ‘we know that alcohol and other drugs cause significant harm to individuals, families and indeed communities. 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 drugs 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.’ Deputy Chair, Mr Julian Leeser MP, says ‘there are many good organisations providing support for people in our community who are struggling with addiction. This inquiry will be a good opportunity to hear directly from frontline service providers about the challenges they are dealing with and how we best support them in their work.’ The Committee encourages health professionals, health service providers, peak bodies, Commonwealth, state and territory government departments, researchers, and members of the public to engage with the inquiry. The Committee is keen to understand the current challenges in the domain of alcohol and drug treatment, and is looking forward to examining best practice models in this area from Australia and overseas. The Committee would be grateful to receive written submissions in support of the inquiry by Monday 30 September 2024, but may also agree to accept submissions after this date. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account. Please contact the Committee Secretariat if you require assistance in – or additional time for – making your submission. Further information about the Committee’s inquiry, including the full terms of reference and specific details on how to lodge a submission are available at the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Dr Mike Freelander MP Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport Mike.Freelander.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 4620 0293 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4145 Health.Reps@aph.gov.au