As we all settle into the start of 2019, our thoughts are with our courageous and tireless firefighters, including hundreds of volunteer fire brigade members, who are battling multiple fires across the island, particularly down in Huon Valley.

If not for them, the damage from the fires would be much more severe. To assist those who have been impacted the 2019 Vinnies Tasmania Bushfire Appeal is now open, and individuals or organisations that wish to make a cash donation to assist those impacted by the bush fires can do so by calling the donation hotline on 13 18 12, or visiting the Vinnies website, or calling into one of their stores across the island.

Turning our minds to what 2019 holds for the Tasmanian alcohol, tobacco and other drugs sector, my advice is for you to prepare yourself because it’s going to be a busy year. We will see the progression of the Tasmanian alcohol and other drug reform agenda, advancement of a shared sector data system and the release of the 2018 Workforce Survey findings, alongside all our normal business as usual activities. Across the nation we’re going to see ongoing debate regarding pill testing, and with a Federal election looming, the national network of alcohol and other drug agencies are already on the ground lobbying for increased investment into services across Australia including Tasmania.

Finally, over the past six months, a key issue that the ATDC has been advocating for has been the introduction of three-year funding agreements for organisations funded through the Tasmanian Government to provide stability and certainty for these organisations, who have been receiving one-year funding agreements for the past few years. It’s our understanding that this issue is currently being considered with the view to a response being provided in the first part of this year.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to working alongside you.

With kindest regards,

Alison Lai
Chief Executive Officer