I thought I’d add yet another predictions blog post to all those already out there. In 2008 I believe the following will occur in relation to ATOD policy in Australia:

1. There won’t be much change at all. At a federal level I still remain hopeful that there’ll be some change in policy direction but I don’t believe the basic structures or approach will change. Prevention services may see a little more money but law enforcement will remain the golden child. I’d be surprised if there was any significant change to the ANCD.

2. NGOs will get more scrutiny. Organisations like Drug Free Australia will hopefully be looked at a little more closely in regard to outcomes and evidence-based practice.

3. Business interest in prevention will grow. Large organisations are finally starting to get the message that keeping their employees healthy is a productivity enhancing thing. ATOD prevention initiatives will increasingly form part of the picture – 2008 will see that evolution continue although there’s a long way to go yet.

4. Drugs in sport will gets lots of attention. Given 2008 is an Olympics year, this is a no-brainer.

5. Crystal Meth will dominate tabloid media on ATOD. Another easy prediction.

What are your predictions for the coming year? What do you think will come to pass that we’ll look back on as significant in a year’s time?