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Media Releases

2023-24 State Budget

25 May 2023
The 2023-24 State Budget tabled today (25 May) was a mixed bag for the alcohol, tobacco and other drug sector with some wins, some omissions but also some uncertainty for essential services and priorities across the state, ATDC chief executive Alison Lai said.
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Decriminalising personal drug use

01 March 2023
The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council Tasmania (ATDC) says the time is right for a community conversation about the decriminalisation of personal drug use in Tasmania.
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What is decriminalisation?

09 November 2022
Many readers will have recently seen or heard calls to decriminalise personal illicit drug use in Australia and Tasmania.
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Data supports need for robust Tasmanian Drug Strategy

15 July 2022
Eighty per cent of Tasmanians do not believe possession of cannabis should be a criminal offence, new data released today (15 July) has revealed.
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No support – Tasmanian Drug Strategy 2022-27

12 July 2022
The Tasmanian Government’s proposed Tasmanian Drug Strategy 2022-2027 “…needs further work…” and cannot be endorsed in its current form by the ATDC, CEO Alison Lai says.
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State Budget stifles reform in community alcohol and other drug sector

27 May 2022
Tasmania’s community-managed alcohol, tobacco and other drugs services have once again walked away from the annual State Budget questioning what more they can do to garner additional investment from the Tasmanian Government to reduce the harm of alcohol and other drugs in the community.
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ATDC Media Statement: Federal Budget 2022-23

30 March 2022
While welcoming the rollout of the National Take Home Naloxone Program, Tasmania’s alcohol, tobacco and other drugs peak body continues to be frustrated by the chronic underfunding of alcohol, tobacco and other drug services.
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Failure to guarantee $60M Ice Strategy funding will have devastating impact across Tasmania

09 March 2022
Alcohol and other drug services across Tasmania – already facing a perfect COVID19-inspired storm due to surging demand and reduced capacity – have been left in limbo by the Federal Government’s failure to guarantee $60 million in annual funding across Australia.
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Alcohol and drug peak calls for community-based withdrawal funding in 2022-23 State Budget

28 February 2022
Withdrawal
Limited access to withdrawal beds is a long-standing issue in Tasmania for people needing treatment for their alcohol or other drug use, but the community-managed sector is ready to go with a solution.
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Media release: Tasmania leads nation with statewide cognitive enhancement program for alcohol and drug services

17 February 2022
Tasmania will become the first state in Australia to introduce a statewide cognitive enhancement program for alcohol, tobacco and other drug services when training gets underway on 23 February 2022.
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Report exposes the social and economic cost of alcohol on communities

17 December 2021
Alcohol
Alcohol costs Australia at least $66.8 billion each year according to a report released by the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University yesterday
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Media release: Tasmanians come together to raise overdose awareness

30 August 2021
International Overdose Awareness Day
The Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania and their members have been inundated with thousands of origami cranes for the third year running, after calling on members of the community to help fold cranes for International Overdose Awareness Day.
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Media release: Be a part of ending overdose this International Overdose Awareness Day

25 August 2021
International Overdose Awareness Day
People from around the state have stepped up to be a part of ending overdose in Tasmania by folding origami cranes for interactive artworks to be unveiled on International Overdose Awareness Day, 31 August 2021.
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Conference brings world-class alcohol, tobacco and other drugs experts to Tasmania

04 June 2021
ATDC's 2021 Conference Courage. Change. Impact. will challenge, engage and inspire over 140 delegates from around Tasmania with a high quality and stimulating program in Hobart (June 9-10)
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Regional pharmacists invite locals to learn more about accidental overdose

26 April 2021
Regional communities will hear first-hand about the dangers of accidental overdose from common medicines, with a series of community presentations set to be delivered in regional Tasmania starting tomorrow.
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Bus Tours connect community health workers to alcohol and other drug services in their own back yard

26 April 2021
Frontline workers from across northern Tasmania will convene in Launceston on Tuesday morning to take part in a bus tour of the local alcohol and other drug services in their local community.
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Peak Body welcomes Liberal Party commitment to alcohol and other drug services and programs

25 April 2021
Funding
ATDC chief executive Alison Lai said that while the Party’s commitment doesn’t provide solutions to all of the challenges being experienced by its members, it demonstrates that they have been listening to the concerns raised by the sector.
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Incoming government to face multi-million-dollar shortfall for alcohol, tobacco and other drug services

20 April 2021
Consumer representationFunding
The ATDC has outlined its priorities for the Tasmanian State election calling on all major parties to commit to addressing the funding shortfall impacting the availability of treatment services and education programs across the State.
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Don’t hesitate to reach out for support this Easter

02 April 2021
Alcohol holds a firm place in our community – it is how we celebrate and how we commiserate.
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Family connection and support needed, not tough love, say families affected by alcohol and other drugs

24 February 2021
Family connection and support, not tough love - that’s what families affected by alcohol and other drugs want the community to know on International Family Drug Support Day.
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Record alcohol sales during pandemic while more Tasmanians seek help

12 February 2021
Record growth in alcohol turnover during the pandemic aligns with the emerging information that more Tasmanians having been seeking help for their drinking and other drug use
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Alcohol guidelines here just in time for Christmas

14 December 2020
Alcohol
Tasmanians need to be more aware than ever when it comes to the health impacts of drinking alcohol, and the newly updated alcohol guidelines can help us do just that, according to the ATDC.
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State Budget priorities for alcohol and other drugs questioned by peak body

12 November 2020
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Tasmanians come together for Overdose Day 2020

31 August 2020
International Overdose Awareness Day
Over ten thousand origami cranes have been folded by Tasmanians in 2019 and 2020 to raise awareness of the risks of overdose.
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Cranes are flying in ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day 2020

05 August 2020
International Overdose Awareness Day
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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Service Station Liquor Licence Refused

09 May 2020
Alcohol
A licence application from a service station sell Tasmanian alcohol 24/7 has been refused.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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)
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International Family Drug Support Day

24 February 2020
24 February 2020
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OPINION: As times have changed, families are a focus

21 February 2020
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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
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OPINION: Starting conversations about drug use

20 December 2019
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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
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ATDC cautions misinformation in pill testing debate

22 November 2019
Pill Testing
The Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania is concerned about a rise in misinformation to support particular positions on pill testing.
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Pill testing facts when forming an opinion

19 November 2019
Pill Testing
Alison Lai on the importance of checking the facts when forming an opinion on pill testing
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Peak Body welcomes Upper House support of pill testing motion

19 November 2019
Pill Testing
The ATDC has congratulated the Tasmanian Legislative Council members who supported Member for Murchison, Ruth Forrest’s pill testing motion this evening.
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Peak Body calls on all sides of government to stay focused

14 November 2019
Pill Testing
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.
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Pill Testing Australia in Hobart when NSW Coroner’s Report into Festival Deaths tabled

07 November 2019
Pill Testing
Pill Testing Australia co-founder and Harm Reduction Australia President Gino Vumbaca will be in Hobart on Friday, 8 November.
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One step closer to a consumer organisation for Tasmanians who use drugs

04 November 2019
Consumer representation
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.
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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.
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Pill Testing discussions with Tasmanian Government: Media Statement

06 September 2019
Pill Testing
Statement from the ATDC CEO following meetings between the Tasmanian Government and Pill Testing Australia
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No support for proposal to drug test welfare recipients

06 September 2019
Drug testingWelfare
The ATDC does not support the Australian Government's proposal to introduce drug tests for welfare recipients
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Pill Testing Australia welcomes meetings with the Tasmanian Government

03 September 2019
Pill Testing
The ATDC will be facilitating discussions between Pill Testing Australia and the Tasmanian Government over the next two days.
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Opinion: A hidden drug crisis killing ordinary Tasmanians

31 August 2019
International Overdose Awareness DayOverdose
TRACEY WING: Forget junkies, weekly deaths are typically caused by painkillers
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ATDC overwhelmed by community response receiving thousands of origami cranes to remember Tasmanians lost to overdose

14 August 2019
International Overdose Awareness Day
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.
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Tasmanian Legislative Council Pill Testing Notice of Motion

12 August 2019
Pill Testing
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.
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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
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Opinion: Busted — Six myths of pill-testing

18 June 2019
Pill Testing
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
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Opinion: The awkward silence is killing us

04 June 2019
Funding
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.
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Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs not a priority

27 May 2019
Funding
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.
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The positive health impact of pill testing: Groovin the Moo 2019

30 April 2019
Pill Testing
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.
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More Australians are seeking help for amphetamine dependence

17 April 2019
Amphetamines
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
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Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug Council responds to the sixth wastewater report

20 February 2019
Wastewater
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.
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Opinion: It’s time to tackle our grog problem

24 December 2018
Alcohol
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...
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Opinion: Playing it safe with festive drinks

20 December 2018
Alcohol
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...
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Additional $1 billion needed nationally to address unmet alcohol and drug treatment need

18 December 2018
Funding
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Opinion: Pill testing — because we can’t wait until someone dies

21 November 2018
Pill Testing
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.
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Opinion: Order treatment for drink-drivers

24 October 2018
Alcohol
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.
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Focus on education and treatment to reduce alcohol, tobacco and drug related harm across the state

10 October 2018
Funding
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Opinion: Tasmania, we have a drinking problem

18 June 2018
Alcohol
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.
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ATDC
ATDC
Address: Suite 1, Level 1, 175 Collins Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000
Hours: 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
Email: admin@atdc.org.au
Phone: 03 6231 5002
Postal: PO Box 4702 Bathurst Street PO, Hobart TAS 7000

Traditional Custodians.

The ATDC acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal community as the traditional custodians of Tasmania and recognises the importance of working together.

Acknowledgements.

The ATDC gratefully acknowledges the financial and other support from the Australian Government Department of Health the Tasmanian Government Department of Health and the Tasmanian Health Service.

Quality Innovation Performance Accredited.

The ATDC is a Quality Innovation Performance (QIP) accredited organisation against the Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES).

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