MEDIA RELEASE: National Alliance for Action on Alcohol
Control alcohol advertising and protect kids

The National Alliance for Action on Alcohol (NAAA) has today urged the Government to act speedily to protect children from dangerously high levels of alcohol advertising following the release of a new report on alcohol advertising by the Australian National Preventive Health Agency today.

Professor Mike Daube AO, Co-Chair of the NAAA and alcohol spokesperson for the Public Health Association of Australia, said Australian families are under siege from alcohol marketing, with children often seeing more alcohol advertising than adults.

“Alcohol has a devastating impact on individuals and the community. It’s time to protect kids from the relentless pressure to drink that comes from unrestrained alcohol advertising on TV, through sports sponsorship and in social media, at all times of the day, 365 days of the year,” Professor Daube said.

“This new report makes it abundantly clear that the Government should act to end the loophole permitting TV alcohol promotion through sport, and end the current charade of industry self-regulation.”

Todd Harper, Co-Chair of the NAAA and CEO of Cancer Council Victoria said: “An obvious first step to protect children from alcohol advertising is to close the regulatory loopholes that allows advertising of alcohol products on television during children’s viewing hours, that is, during live sport telecasts.

“Sports on TV are extremely popular with children, even more so than some cartoons. So, if we stop alcohol advertising there, we can start protecting children from the powerful marketing forces encouraging them to drink.

“International research shows that children who regularly see alcohol advertising are more likely to start drinking at a younger age, and drink at harmful levels as an adult. Much of this marketing also has the effect of reinforcing the harmful drinking culture in Australia.

“Alcohol takes a massive toll on the community, causing mental illness, violence, child abuse, and diseases such as liver cirrhosis and several types of cancer that could be prevented. The time has come for responsible regulation, established by government and backed by sanctions for serious non-compliance,” Mr Harper said.

Professor Daube added that the NAAA also urged the government to reconsider its widely-criticised decision to defund the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), the nation’s peak alcohol and drug treatment and services organisation.

“This bizarre decision was taken without consultation and warning. There is still time to overturn the decision before ADCA closes its doors at the end of the week.

“Decisions such as those on alcohol advertising and the future of ADCA will show whether the Government has any serious intention of changing Australia’s drinking culture and protecting children from predatory alcohol companies,” said Professor Daube.

Media Contact: Cairin Conway (Mobile 0406 524 562)

The National Alliance for Action on Alcohol (NAAA) is a national coalition of more than 70 health and community organisations from across Australia that has been formed with the goal of reducing alcohol-related harm.

The formation of the NAAA represents the first time such a broad-based alliance has come together to pool their collective expertise around what needs to be done to address Australia’s drinking problems.

The NAAA aims to put forward evidence-based solutions with a strong emphasis on action.

Further information: www.actiononalcohol.org.au

Via ANCD:

Dear Colleagues

Gandel Philanthropy has announced its community assist grants are open for application to eligible not for profit organisations.

These grants are for amounts up to $40,000 and they are provided as a one-off contribution, aimed at supporting a number of areas.

For further details on the grants go to: http://gandelphilanthropy.org.au/grant-information/overview/

What a sad state of affairs this is:

ADCA under Administration

Subject: ADCA Office No Longer Staffed from 1 March 2014—Impact on ADCA Services

Dear Friends and Members of ADCA

This message is a further update from ADCA in light of the Abbott government’s decision on 25 November 2013 to defund the organization, resulting in ADCA being placed under voluntary administration.
Despite best endeavours by ADCA staff, our Board and many members and concerned parties to find ways for the organisation to continue, it will close its doors on 28 February. ADCA will no longer be able to participate in any committee or advisory roles. All ADCA staff will cease to be employees after 28 February, although some remain individual members of the organisation.

The ADCA Board is considering options for keeping the organisation operational in some form and will communicate with ADCA members and other organisations to that end.
Failing last minute action by the government, the role ADCA plays as the national peak will be lost from 28 Feb. This includes advocacy to government and the broader Australian community on behalf of the sector it supports, representation on a range of committees and national advisory groups, collaboration with the sector to develop greater understanding of issues, an agreed approach to minimising harm, and raising awareness on alcohol and other drugs issues.

Without a government decision to the contrary, valuable reference services, products and resources provided by the National Drugs Sector Information Service (NDSIS), including the collection itself, will no longer be available.
If you are currently a financial member of ADCA, you will be aware that NDSIS member services also cease on 18 February, and you will have been advised of arrangements for accessing e-journals, Addiction Information Monthly and Drug Contents. Any requests for information should be directed to NDSIS Manager Jane Shelling (jane.shelling) before 28 Feb.

Other NDSIS clients who may not be ADCA members should understand that:
· Today’s Drug News and other ADCA generated information on Update ceases 18 February
· Ask a Librarian – no longer available
· Book borrowing – no longer available
· Facebook and Twitter – no longer available
· The National Inhalants Information Service (NIIS) website will be available in the short term but is no longer being updated
· The Register of Australian Drug and Alcohol Research (RADAR) website will be available in the short term but is no longer being updated
· Drugfields website will be available in the short term but is no longer being updated.
There is no guarantee how long the NIIS, RADAR and Drugfields websites can be maintained. Also, to the best of our knowledge, the annual Drug Action Week will no longer occur.

We are hopeful that the Save ADCApetition can be presented to the Prime Minister sometime in the future. In the meantime, the petition remains open. We urge you to sign it if you haven’t already done so, and perhaps comment on why you think the government should rethink its decision. You may also like to encourage your networks to do the same.

Thanks for your support for ADCA over the years. The staff have enjoyed working with you to achieve a better future for those affected by alcohol and other drugs, whether they be the individual themselves, their families and friends, and the people that work so hard to research the issues, prevent, intervene and provide treatment and support. Keep up this important work.
Should you have any further enquiries after 1 March, please direct them to Henry Kazar at the ADCA administrators Kazar Slaven; phone 02 62851310 or via hkazar
Yours sincerely

davidt

David Templeman
Chief Executive Officer
Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia
Po Box 269, Woden ACT 2606
Ph 02 62159800
Fax 02 62810995
Mobile 0414265122
www.adca.org.au

www.change.org/petitions/save-adca

AOD Clearinghouse
National Drugs Sector Information Service (NDSIS)
Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA)
Ph: (02) 6215 9800
AODclearinghouse

Hepatitis ACT is Canberra’s community hepatitis organisation. We are a not-for-profit agency funded by ACT Health to help prevent the spread of viral hepatitis and to promote the health and wellbeing of hepatitis affected people in the ACT.

Hepatitis ACT is seeking a suitably qualified person to work full-time (37.5 hour week). The Corrections Education and Workforce Development Coordinator reports to the Executive Officer, and is responsible for the development and implementation of a new and innovative program expanding education programs in Corrections and community settings. The position requires a hands-on approach and a high level of organisational skills, strong written and oral communication, sound computer skills, and demonstrated ability to provide education and information for detainees and Corrections staff.

An attractive salary package is available commensurate with skills and experience. Selection criteria and a duty statement are available on request by emailing business or calling (02) 6230 6344.

Applications close Friday 21st February 2014.

Support Facilitator, Partners in Recovery (PIR)
Palmerston Great Southern Community Drug Service Team and South West Medicare Local
Based in Katanning

Palmerston Association is a dynamic Western Australian not for profit organisation providing counselling, education and support for individuals, families and children and the wider community affected by alcohol and other drug use issues.

PIR is a new initiative that aims to improve the support needed by people with severe and persistent mental illness, their carers and families by getting services and supports to work in a more collaborative, coordinated, and integrated way.

Based in Katanning, the support facilitator will work to improve the response of agencies to clients through the engagement of existing services and supports, ensuring accountability, the development of service pathways and networks between stakeholders and other community resources. The support facilitator reports to the manager, GSCDST Palmerston, and the senior support facilitator, Medicare Local.

The successful applicant will have highly developed community development, agency networking, interpersonal and communication skills with a solid understanding and knowledge of mental health issues relating to people with severe and persistent mental health issues.

The conditions of employment are attractive and include salary packaging benefits as well as an employee assistance program. The salary range is $65,000 (plus superannuation).

A drivers licence is essential for this position.

For further information please download the job description form (JDF) from rvernon.

Applicants must address the selection criteria outlined in the JDF to be considered.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged to apply.

Please email applications to jobs by 5pm – Monday 3 February 2014

Bloody Serious Facts: Hepatitis C

When:                  Wednesday 26 February , 10am-1pm

Where:                Suite 5, 200 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Cost:                      $25.00 per person or free if your organisation is a member

Spaces are limited!  To register visit www.hepvic.org.au/bloodyseriousfacts

This workshop is designed for drug and alcohol workers, nurses, NSP workers, community health staff, students of health professions, prison staff, welfare workers and anyone else working with people who are at risk of or affected by hepatitis C.

The session is delivered in partnership with Harm Reduction Victoria and the Victorian Viral Hepatitis Educator (from St. Vincent’s) and covers

1)      An intro to hepatitis C including transmission, prevention, disclosure and discrimination

2)      Diagnosis and treatment (including a personal perspective)

3)      The impact and meaning of hepatitis C for people who inject drugs

4)      Case studies of clients at risk of or affected by hepatitis C

To confirm attendance please submit payment and email details using the registration form at www.hepvic.org.au/bloodyseriousfacts or email call Hepatitis Victoria on (03) 9385 9101

Via Odyssey House:

“Odyssey House Victoria is offering significantly subsidised Government Funded Qualifications

Odyssey House Victoria has been awarded a 3 year Victorian Government contract to provide significantly subsidised funded education and training and is pleased to offer a limited number of these qualifications in Alcohol, Other Drugs and Mental Health for *eligible Victorian students, see below for details.

Qualifications include:

. Diploma in Community Services (Alcohol and Other Drugs) CHC50212 ( www.workskillsweb.net/dip_info.html )
. Diploma in Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health) CHC50412 (http://www.workskillsweb.net/dip_aodmh_info.html )
. Certificate IV in Alcohol and other drugs) CHC40412 (http://www.workskillsweb.net/certiv_info.html )

Full fee options are also available, however Odyssey House Victoria is able to offer *eligible Victorian applicants significantly subsidised funded qualifications listed above.

Enquiries and registration www.workskillsweb.net/apply.html or contact David on 03 9420 7644, email studentadmin@odyssey.org.au

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. *Details of eligibility and fees applied in accordance with the Victorian Training Guarantee, can be found here www.workskillsweb.net/apply.html “

Via UNSW:

Just a reminder about the Eighth Annual Conference of the International Society for the Study of Drug Policy: Rome 21-23 May 2014

All abstracts and panel proposals due 20 January 2014

The eighth annual conference of the International Society for the Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP) will be held in Rome, Italy, from 21-23 May 2014. The conference rotates amongst continents. Last year we were in Colombia, South America. In 2014, we will be in Europe, where state-of-the-art monitoring and epidemiology, along with treatment responses as well as law enforcement  and prevention are all on display.

The conference should be of interest to policy makers, practitioners and academics from a wide array of disciplines who are engaged in drug policy research pertaining to drug markets, the harms caused by both the supply of and demand for drugs, and the intended and unintended consequences of policy.

We invite abstracts of 200-400 words or panel proposals (for up to four papers) from researchers and practitioners interested in advancing knowledge regarding the development, assessment, or evolution of drug policy nationally or internationally. Areas of particular interest this year include the following:

• The drug world after the economic recession: what has changed?
• The rise of emerging psychoactive substances and new policy directions
• Marijuana policy: what do we know about the public health implications from decriminalization and medical marijuana?
• Drug markets and policy responses outside of Europe and North America
• Drugs and human rights
• Harm reduction policies: Consumption rooms, prison needle exchange
• Measurement in drug policy: how do we make sense of scarce information and define and measure new drug trends? What are the optimal indicators of health, social harm and supply?
• Supply and regulation within and beyond consumer nations
• What can drug policy learn from supply and regulation of other substances?
• Corruption and organized crime: intersections between drugs, organized crime, and judicial systems

All abstracts and panel proposals should be submitted to cibb@uniroma2.it before 20 January 2014. For full details on the call for abstracts, ISSDP and the conference location please see:

http://www.cibb.uniroma2.it/images/PDF/Call_finale.pdf

PhD students and scholars from developing countries are strongly encouraged to submit abstracts. A competitive scholarships program is available for these delegates:

http://www.cibb.uniroma2.it/images/PDF/Scholarship_2014.pdf