Alcohol and other drugs

Mission Australia’s submission to this proposed framework highlighted the lack of availability of youth specific alcohol and drug services in local communities, effectiveness of voluntary treatment and the need for a holistic approach to addressing alcohol and drug dependence among young people.

This Bill proposes to administer drug tests on 5,000 new social security payment recipients in Canterbury-Bankstown NSW, Mandurah WA and Logan QLD. Mission Australia’s submission recommended that the Bill be rejected and the funding committed to the trial be redirected to residential and other community drug and alcohol services.

In this submission Mission Australia highlighted the increase in the need for targeted support to address ice dependence, particularly in rural and remote areas of NSW. Considering the impact of ice on the individuals , their families and the communities, Mission Australia made a series of recommendations including increasing the availability of age appropriate and culturally sensitive detoxification and rehabilitation facilities.

Mission Australia made a submission to the WA Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan 2015 – 2025: Draft Plan Update 2018 conducted by the Department of Communities. The submission focused on the challenges for service delivery, future directions to be reflected in service streams and changes in the strategic environment that should be taken into account. The submission made a series of recommendations in relation to engaging local Aboriginal and other communities in service delivery and design, expanding services that are providing effective services and increasing the supports for people with moderate mental illnesses.

Our submission to the Inquiry into alternative approaches to reducing illicit drug use and its effects on the community highlighted a range of services that are effective in supporting people with alcohol and drug issues in WA. We also highlighted Mission Australia service examples from other states and territories. The submission made a series of recommendations including providing additional support and funding for youth specific services and supports targeted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.