News

Cranes are flying in ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day 2020

05 August 2020

The Tasmanian community is once again throwing their support behind raising awareness of the risks of overdose, by folding origami cranes to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day

Consumer Representative Coordinator (ATDC)

27 July 2020

.8 FTE | Hobart | Closes 27 July 2020

Sector Development Manager (ATDC)

20 July 2020

1.0 FTE | Hobart | Closes 20 July 2020

Talking Point: Don’t leave mothers-to-be in the dark

16 July 2020

Even a little drink at the wrong moment can harm an unborn child, yet the alcohol industry is pushing back against clear labelling

Tasmanian food ministers urged to vote for a red, black and white ‘HEALTH WARNING’ label on alcohol

15 July 2020

The ATDC is urging Minister Rockliff and Minister Courtney to support an effective evidence-based pregnancy health warning label for alcohol products.

Regional Area Member Meetings – July 2020

15 July 2020

RAMMs July 2020

CEO Update July 2020

15 July 2020

What are you doing to look after you?

When it comes to health, Tasmanians deserve support, not punishment

26 June 2020

There is a better way for Tasmania when dealing with drugs in our community. We cannot continue on as we are and keep trying to arrest our way out of this problem.

Alcohol consumption during the COVID19 period: May 2020

10 June 2020

Australians are drinking alcohol more frequently during the COVID-19 pandemic than before, a new report from The Australian National University (ANU) shows.

CEO Update June 2020

04 June 2020

Research is starting to emerge confirming what we all expected - people have been drinking more and more often during COVID-19

COVID-19 funding for essential alcohol, tobacco and other drug health services

26 May 2020

The ATDC welcomes $235,000 funding to support essential ATOD health services during COVID-19

Quit Tasmania 559 Lives

20 May 2020

Free NRT via the Quitline for people who are experiencing disadvantage and who smoke

CEO Update May 2020

18 May 2020

There’s no doubt that the year 2020 is going to be remembered as the year COVID-19 turned our lives into a rollercoaster ride.

Tasmanian ATOD Awards Postponed

18 May 2020

Drug supply disruption can have a downside — overdose and stockpiling

15 May 2020

COVID19 has already had a profound effect on society, in the way that we live, work, get supplies, and access services. The drug market is not immune.

Success for ATDC online training sessions

15 May 2020

We have successfully facilitated our first online training sessions!

Keeping Connected

15 May 2020

Touch base with ATOD colleagues across the state in our regular Keeping Connected sessions.

ATDC Conference Postponed to 2021

14 May 2020

ATDC Conference postponed to 2021

Service Station Liquor Licence Refused

09 May 2020

A licence application from a service station sell Tasmanian alcohol 24/7 has been refused.

Responding to COVID-19 with Grant Blake

29 April 2020

ATDC members only sessions on COVID-19 challenges for AOD sector, with psychologist Grant Blake

ATDC Sector Development Small Grants Fund 2020

15 April 2020

UPDATED: applications for online study close 30 May 2020

CEO Update April 2020

15 April 2020

Flatten the curve, Think about it, Know the risks and Talk about it.

OPINION: Drinking and smoking during COVID-19

09 April 2020

I don’t consider myself to be a big drinker and I don’t keep a lot of alcohol in my home.

Tasmanians urged to take care with their drinking and smoking ahead of the Easter long-weekend

08 April 2020

In response to COVID-19, the ATDC encourages Tasmanians to take care with their alcohol and tobacco consumption over the Easter long-weekend.

Alcohol and tobacco use during COVID-19

08 April 2020

Alcohol and tobacco key messages during COVID-19

Delivering alcohol responsibly during COVID-19

03 April 2020

As online alcohol sales and home delivery rates rise in response to COVID-19 social isolation measures, the ATDC is seeking to avoid any unintended health consequences for Tasmania.

Harm reduction has never been more important for the health of Tasmanians

22 March 2020

COVID-19 actions to reduce the harms of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs

Coronavirus (COVID-19) news and resources

19 March 2020

Report from the March member meetings

17 March 2020

Regional Area Member Meetings (RAMMs) report

Coronavirus/COVID-19 and ATDC events

12 March 2020

Bus Tours CANCELLED, Conference POSTPONED

CEO Update March 2020

10 March 2020

I have just one ask for you this month, and it's an important one.

Tasmania can lead the way with best-practice drug reform

02 March 2020

The ATDC welcomes the recommendations from the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine)

International Family Drug Support Day

24 February 2020

OPINION: As times have changed, families are a focus

21 February 2020

Tasmanian alcohol and other drugs sector shines in Telstra Women’s Business Awards

20 February 2020

ATDC and DEN CEOs have both been recognised as Telstra Business Women’s Awards Tasmanian finalists

Alcohol & Other Drugs Youth Health Worker (The Link Youth Health Service)

16 February 2020

Full time | The Link Youth Health Service

CEO Update February 2020

12 February 2020

Welcome to 2020 from Jackie Hallam, Acting CEO

Regional Area Member Meetings – March 2020

11 February 2020

RAMMs March 2020

Wild Butterfly Screenings

11 February 2020

Launceston | Hobart | Devonport

ATOD Awards nominations now open

03 February 2020

Tasmanian ATOD Awards 2020

OPINION: Starting conversations about drug use

20 December 2019

CEO Update December 2019

17 December 2019

Here we are! It’s hard to believe that we’ve made it to the end of 2019! It’s been an incredible year with many highlights.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

17 December 2019

Merry Xmas! The ATDC office will be closed 24 Dec 2019, reopening 2 Jan 2020

Pill testing: we know why, let’s talk about how we can trial pill testing in Tasmania

10 December 2019

We are hopeful that the release of this report now finally enables us to move the conversation away from ‘why’ to ‘how’ a trial of pill testing can be delivered in Tasmania

ATDC Budget Priority Statement 2020-21

06 December 2019

For the Tasmanian Government State Budget 2020-21, we have identified two key innovations to transform Tasmania’s alcohol, tobacco and other drugs sector

ATDC Member and Stakeholder Survey 2018-19 Results

02 December 2019

The results from our 2018-19 member and stakeholder surveys are now available

CEO Update November 2019

29 November 2019

We’ve been asked on more than one occasion why we continue to be steadfast in our position to trial pill testing in Tasmania, particularly given the Tasmanian Government’s similarly steadfast position not to.

ATDC cautions misinformation in pill testing debate

22 November 2019

The Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania is concerned about a rise in misinformation to support particular positions on pill testing.

Call for abstracts now open – 2020 ATDC Conference

21 November 2019

Change. Courage. Impact. What do these words mean for you and your work?

Pill testing facts when forming an opinion

19 November 2019

Alison Lai on the importance of checking the facts when forming an opinion on pill testing

Peak Body welcomes Upper House support of pill testing motion

19 November 2019

The ATDC has congratulated the Tasmanian Legislative Council members who supported Member for Murchison, Ruth Forrest’s pill testing motion this evening.

Peak Body calls on all sides of government to stay focused

14 November 2019

The ATDC calls on all sides of government to remain focused on the one thing they all agree one – implementing strategies at Tasmanian festivals and events that reduce the harm of illicit drugs.

Pill Testing Australia in Hobart when NSW Coroner’s Report into Festival Deaths tabled

07 November 2019

Pill Testing Australia co-founder and Harm Reduction Australia President Gino Vumbaca will be in Hobart on Friday, 8 November.

One step closer to a consumer organisation for Tasmanians who use drugs

04 November 2019

Tasmania is one step closer to having a funded consumer representative organisation for Tasmanians who use drugs - a milestone that has been years in the making.

CEO Update October 2019

31 October 2019

It’s that time of year when our minds turn towards thoughts of warmer days, time with family and dare I say, Christmas preparations! Not yet I hear you say!

2020 ATDC Conference – Keynote Speakers Announced

09 October 2019

We are excited to announce the 2020 ATDC Conference Keynote Speakers, who will not only inspire and inform but arm you with the tools required to transform the ideas into action in your own workplaces

CEO Update September 2019

30 September 2019

‘Purposeful’ and ‘steadfast’. These were the words I shared at last week’s Annual General Meeting to describe the efforts of the ATDC over the past 12 months.

Strengthening Tasmania’s justice response to problematic alcohol and other drug use

19 September 2019

The ATDC has released its position statement outlining its recommendations on how the Tasmanian Government can strengthen its current justice response to problematic drug use in the community.

ATDC Annual Report 2018-19

18 September 2019

ATDC 2018 Workforce Survey

18 September 2019

Pill Testing discussions with Tasmanian Government: Media Statement

06 September 2019

Statement from the ATDC CEO following meetings between the Tasmanian Government and Pill Testing Australia

No support for proposal to drug test welfare recipients

06 September 2019

The ATDC does not support the Australian Government's proposal to introduce drug tests for welfare recipients

Tasmanian CALD Communities Survey

05 September 2019

Are you a member of a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community in Tasmania? Or do you work with people from CALD communities? If so, we need your help!

Pill Testing Australia welcomes meetings with the Tasmanian Government

03 September 2019

The ATDC will be facilitating discussions between Pill Testing Australia and the Tasmanian Government over the next two days.

CEO Update August 2019

31 August 2019

My message is simple this month and it’s ‘thank you’.

Opinion: A hidden drug crisis killing ordinary Tasmanians

31 August 2019

TRACEY WING: Forget junkies, weekly deaths are typically caused by painkillers

ATDC Stakeholder Survey 2019

29 August 2019

We invite all ATDC stakeholders to participate in our annual Stakeholder Survey.

ATDC overwhelmed by community response receiving thousands of origami cranes to remember Tasmanians lost to overdose

14 August 2019

The ATDC has been inundated by thousands of origami cranes, after calling on members of the community to help fold 1,000 cranes for International Overdose Awareness Day.

Tasmanian Legislative Council Pill Testing Notice of Motion

12 August 2019

The Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania is calling upon the Tasmanian Legislative Council to put politics aside and focus on the evidence ahead of their debate on pill testing this week.

CEO Update July 2019

30 July 2019

I really enjoy my role at the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania. Over the past 12 months that I’ve been in this role, it has provided me with many opportunities to be involved in discussions and projects that help to deliver real impact to many Tasmanians.

Seeking Nominations for the ATDC Board of Governance & Life Membership

22 July 2019

We are seeking to elect two Elected Directors from the ATDC membership to the Board of Governance. Members are also invited to nominate individuals for life membership to the ATDC.

1,000 Cranes – International Overdose Awareness Day, 31 August 2019

17 July 2019

Opinion: Break Tasmania’s drug-crime cycle

26 June 2019

Tasmania’s prison population is soaring — and four in five inmates have a substance use issue

CEO Update June 2019

25 June 2019

As Winter approaches, discussions surrounding the homelessness crisis across Tasmania are intensifying with many individuals and families unable to find secure accommodation.

State Budget 2019-20

20 June 2019

The release of the 2019-20 State Budget has been received with an acute sense of disappointment from the Tasmanian community sector for the lack of investment in services and programs across the State.

Integrated Family Support Services Worker

20 June 2019

Youth, Family & Community Connections Inc. is a Not-For-Profit Community Organisation that facilitates a range of services across the North-West and West Coasts of Tasmania designed to support and assist youth, families and individuals in need to develop skills and opportunities to enable them to participate within the community. We currently have a fantastic opportunity for the right person to join our Family Support Services Team, based in Devonport and working across the North West Coast.

Brief Intervention and Counselling Program Worker

20 June 2019

Youth, Family & Community Connections Inc. is a local Not-For-Profit Community Organisation that provides a range of health and wellbeing services to young people, families and communities throughout the North West Coast of Tasmania.

Opinion: Busted — Six myths of pill-testing

18 June 2019

ALL of us have likely experienced that awkward moment in a conversation when we realise the person that we’re talking to has misunderstood what we’re saying. To avoid confusion, misunderstanding or perhaps an argument we often have to politely interject, backtrack and start the conversation again

Opinion: The awkward silence is killing us

04 June 2019

The Federal Election is over and another Tasmanian State Budget has been tabled. Millions of dollars have been committed to small business, tourism, infrastructure and health, yet for those delivering alcohol, and other drug programs the silence is deafening.

CEO Update May 2019

31 May 2019

Another Tasmanian State Budget has been tabled, and those following the media would be aware that the ATDC has been vocal in expressing concern about the lack of funding for alcohol, tobacco and other drug services.

Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs not a priority

27 May 2019

The Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania has joined the chorus of disappointment across the Tasmanian community sector in response to the 2019-20 State Budget.

Seeking expressions of interest for participation: ATDC Advisory Council and Naloxone Action Group

22 May 2019

The positive health impact of pill testing: Groovin the Moo 2019

30 April 2019

Australia’s second pill-testing trial has been hailed an overwhelming success. Groovin the Moo 2019 has again successfully implemented a pill-testing trial with many participants saying they would reconsider or at least take less drugs as a result of the testing and education provided on-site.

CEO Update April 2019

30 April 2019

As we nudge closer to the Federal election, many of you may have already decided how you will vote and some of you may still be considering your choices.

More Australians are seeking help for amphetamine dependence

17 April 2019

In response to the release of AIHW report - Alcohol and other drug treatment services in Australia 2017-18, ATDC Chief Executive Alison Lai said “the rise in the number of Tasmanians seeking treatment for amphetamines is a trend that has been noticed across our treatment providers

ATDC Sector Capacity Building Small Grants Fund – NOW OPEN!

11 April 2019

Through capacity building funds received from the Federal Governments’ Drug and Alcohol Program, the ATDC has made provision for a Small Grants Fund to assist ATDC Member organisations with professional development, training or qualifications which will enhance specific alcohol and other drugs skills and knowledge.

CEO Update March 2019

31 March 2019

It’s incredible to think we’re almost one quarter of the way through 2019! Over the past month, pill testing continues to dominate the national media, particularly in Tasmania following Speaker of the House of Assembly Sue Hickey’s public announcement that she supports pill testing.

CEO Update February 2019

28 February 2019

Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug Council responds to the sixth wastewater report

20 February 2019

The Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania has responded to the release of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s sixth report of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program.

CEO Update January 2019

31 January 2019

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...

Opinion: It’s time to tackle our grog problem

24 December 2018

IT’S that time of year when people tend to indulge in all the festivities that the holiday period brings, including drinking alcohol. More often than not conversations around alcohol use tend to focus on what individuals can do to reduce harm...

Opinion: Playing it safe with festive drinks

20 December 2018

Everyone has the right to feel safe when they’re spending time celebrating with friends and family. Yet the recent coverage of Tasmanian woman Mandy Marmion’s terrifying drink spiking ordeal is a chilling reminder that our safety cannot always be guaranteed...

Additional $1 billion needed nationally to address unmet alcohol and drug treatment need

18 December 2018

Opinion: Pill testing — because we can’t wait until someone dies

21 November 2018

DON’T do drugs — it’s a message that we’ve all heard. Tasmanians have been told time and time again that taking drugs not prescribed by a doctor is bad, and against the law. Yet Tasmanians do take illegal drugs. Recent research tells us that 42 per cent of Australians, nearly half of us, will try an illicit substance during our lifetime.

Opinion: Order treatment for drink-drivers

24 October 2018

Last week we heard the heartbroken plea from the family and friends of Tasmanian Brianna Waddington, a teenage girl killed by a drunk learner driver, for others to learn from their tragedy. It’s a situation that no one ever wants to imagine themselves in, and a story that every journalist wishes they didn’t have to write.

Focus on education and treatment to reduce alcohol, tobacco and drug related harm across the state

10 October 2018

Opinion: Tasmania, we have a drinking problem

18 June 2018

There's a common phrase that says that the first step in solving a problem is admitting that you have one. And when it comes to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in Tasmania, I get the impression that people don’t believe we have a problem. People seem generally aware that there are some who need to access specialised services like detox, rehabilitation or group therapy sessions.