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Opportunity to contribute to alcohol and drug reform Wednesday, 25 January 2012


Wednesday 25 January 2012
Opportunity to contribute to alcohol and drug reform
Victorians have a new opportunity to contribute to the development of the Coalition
Government’s Alcohol and Drug Strategy.
Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said today she had supported a request from the
Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) to undertake additional community
engagement on alcohol and drug reform.
The consultations include an online forum, a series of street surveys and focus groups that
will run in metropolitan and regional Victoria. A specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
consultation forum will also be held in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Community
Controlled Health Organisation.
Comments, ideas, stories and feedback will be considered by the expert advisory group and
will help inform the development of the strategy.
“The Coalition Government is committed to engaging and learning from those involved in all
sectors impacted upon by alcohol and drug issues, including treatment and prevention, liquor
licensing and regulation, education and law enforcement,” Ms Wooldridge said.
Ms Wooldridge said so far the consultation process had been a great success, with over 120
submissions from individuals, peak organisations, the non-profit sector, community groups
and local government.
“Based on the submissions we have already received, there is overwhelming support for the
Coalition’s whole-of-government approach to the alcohol and drug strategy,” Ms Wooldridge
said.
Ms Wooldridge said the new strategy would focus on decreasing the rate of alcohol and drug
abuse, reducing the amount of harm caused by alcohol and drug abuse and increasing
access to treatment options so that people can get help when they need it.
Victorians wanting to contribute on-line can visit www.your-say.net.au
More information about the whole-of-government Victorian Alcohol and Drug Strategy can be
found at www.health.vic.gov.au/aod/strategy
Media contact: Michael Moore 0400 719 355

Media Release Attachment - 120125_Wooldridge_-_Opportunity_to_contribute_to_alcohol_and_drug_reform.pdf [Word, 34435 Bytes]





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