The Tasmanian Drug Strategy (TDS) was developed by the Tasmanian Government, Department of Health and Human Services.
The Tasmanian Drug Strategy 2013 – 2018 seeks to build upon previous efforts and to provide the overarching framework that draws together and links existing policy responses to the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs into one concise strategy.
The TDS maintains the concept of harm minimisation as its underlying concept. This concept is based on
- reducing the supply, or availability, of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs;
- reducing demand through prevention, early intervention and treatment; and
- reducing the harms associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Also consistent with previous iterations of the Tasmanian Drug Strategy, the TDS provides the framework for coordinated effort to prevent or reduce the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs use.
The TDS identifies a number of priorities, some of which are clearly linked to current priorities, such as the Tasmanian Alcohol Action Framework 2010-2015 and the Tasmanian Tobacco Action Plan 2011-2015. The IAWGD will continue to coordinate implementation of the TDS and report to the Tasmanian Government through the Minister for Health on progress towards meeting the aims and priorities. Annual Implementation Plans under the Tasmanian Tobacco Action Plan 2011-2015 and the Tasmanian Alcohol Action Framework 2010-2015 will continue to be implemented and monitored in accordance with those plans, with annual reports being provided by the IAWGD.
