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.
