Meeting the Challenges: Investing in Communities and People
With less than 3 weeks to go until election day on May 1, we know that health is a key concern for Tasmanian voters. Investing in community based alcohol, tobacco and other drug treatment and support keeps Tasmanians out of hospitals.
Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs impact thousands of Tasmanians every year and it is critical that any aspiring government not be silent on how they plan to provide support to those who need it, and their approach to reducing the harms of drug use across our community.
The ATDC has been advocating behind the scenes on behalf of our members and the Tasmanian community for:
1. An immediate injection of funding into community-managed alcohol, tobacco and other drug services and programs.
There is currently an existing funding shortfall of a minimum of $9.149 million. This funding is required to maintain and expand existing services and programs to address increased demand and waiting lists, which have continued to increase over the past 12-months with the impact of COVID still being felt. Read more…
2. A funded independent consumer organisation.
There is an opportunity for the incoming government to be the game-changers for Tasmanians with a lived experience of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Providing a commitment to fund an independent consumer organisation will finally amplify the voice of lived experience of those who need, and access services. The ATDC expects any new government to continue prioritising the delivery of the Reform Agenda for Tasmanian alcohol, and other drug services and it is inconceivable that this would occur without an independent organisation to meaningfully represent the voice of those with lived experience. Read more…
Find out more about the ATDC’s election priorities in our 2021-22 Budget Priority Statement.
