How we've developed the Action Plan

The draft Action Plan has been collaboratively designed by the ACT Health and key stakeholders, including other government directorates, advocacy groups, treatment providers who provide support and services, peer organisations and organisations representing families and carers.

Submissions to the Inquiry into the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Bill 2021 have also been used to inform development of the Action Plan.

Key issues raised were:

• Service and treatment demand outweighing availability
• Difficulties in navigating the service system, particularly between different sectors (such as housing and mental health)
• The importance of addressing alcohol and other drug issues as a health issue rather than a criminal or justice issue
• Stigma and discrimination faced by vulnerable groups including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+, people living with disabilities, and older people, with their intersection with the AOD sector magnifying this
• Unique experiences and concerns from people with children, and those experiencing domestic and family violence, homelessness and/or financial instability
• Vulnerable groups disproportionately affected by AOD requiring targeted initiatives, such as those experiencing harm from gambling
• The need to improve data collection and management to support
• The importance of using a human-rights and person-centred-lens when working with or supporting people who have lived experience
• Consider the needs of the broader community to ensure no one is left behind