Category Archives: General debate

Alex Wodak on the Coalition’s Tough on Drugs Election Policy

I noticed this is today’s Crikey email:

“President of the Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation, Dr Alex Wodak, writes:

The Coalition Government’s Election 2007 Policy, “Tough on Drugs”, was released over the weekend. The centre piece of the new policy, a triumph of gesture politics, is a commitment to “quarantine and manage 100 per cent of welfare payments to stop people convicted of criminal drug offences …from using welfare payments to buy illicit drugs”.

If this desperate policy is ever implemented, we can be confident of a growth in crime which will require increased resources for police and prisons and which in turn can only be paid for by increased taxes. Perhaps that was meant by the “Go for Growth” slogan? The amphetamine market has certainly gone for growth during the lifetime of the “Tough on Drugs” policy.

The new drug policy was released just after the most recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a report which represents even greater political difficulties for the Coalition. Surely the timing of the release of the new drugs policy was intended as a distraction from the new IPCC report.

It is hard to understand how a government which prides itself on understanding markets can reconcile itself with a drug policy which attempts to defy economic gravity.

Sooner or later, the major parties will have to accept the reality that while there is a demand for drugs, there will always be a supply. And if there is no legal supply, other forms of supply will inevitably emerge. Wasn’t that the lesson of alcohol prohibition in the USA? The ability of governments to modify powerful market forces is marginal, as we all now know from the collapse of communism.

The Coalition also criticises the ALP for supporting a trial of a Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, a scientific trial of heroin prescription and the decriminalisation of cannabis. The trial of a Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in NSW was supported by a number of Liberal members of the NSW Parliament including a future Liberal Leader of the Opposition (John Brogden). A scientific trial of heroin prescription was first proposed in Australia by Mr. N. Greiner in 1984 while Leader of the Opposition in NSW (before he went on to become a Liberal Premier).

One of the major advocates for a scientific trial of heroin prescription was Ms Kate Carnell while Chief Minister of the ACT. The Liberal Commonwealth Minister for Health and Minister for Justice both voted for a heroin trial at a major Ministerial meeting in July 1997. Many prominent past and present Liberal politicians support sensible reforms of drug policy. Coalition state and territory governments have liberalised cannabis policies or retained policies liberalised by previous Labor governments.

So far this is one policy that the ALP Opposition has not cried “me too” on, but don’t hold your breath. ”

Crikey is well worth the $100+ dollars to receive a daily email full of commentary in a range of fields. Health topics get regular coverage in an in-depth manner – something the major media outlets would do well to emulate.

Multiple positions at The WA Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies

“Sector Development – Be at the heart of change in WA

There are exciting times ahead! Non-government alcohol and other drug treatment agencies in Western Australia have recently been granted $5.9 million to build their capacity and improve their services to people with both mental health and alcohol and other drug use issues. Join the Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (WANADA) in one of these new full time exciting and innovative roles to revolutionise the way in which the sector works. Both positions below are initially offered for 12 months with an expectation to extend following review.

Sector Development Coordinator – $60,000 to $65,000
(plus superannuation and generous salary packaging options)

As Sector Development Co-ordinator you will oversee the project, working directly with treatment agencies and relevant state level stakeholders. You’ll be travelling to visit agencies across WA, establishing strategic relationships and effecting sector wide change. This is your ideal job if you are an excellent communicator, experienced project leader and enjoy driving collaborative working relationships.

Sector Development Project Officer – $50,000 to $55,000
(job share available plus superannuation and generous salary packaging options)

As Sector Development Project Officer you will establish communications networks between mental health and alcohol and other drug agencies in WA and work to meet the resource and training needs of the alcohol and other drug sector in relation to mental health and alcohol and other drug use. Your outstanding interpersonal skills, attention to detail and the satisfaction you gain from seeing results will be well rewarded in this role.

Details including JDF and selection criteria for each position can be obtained by e-mailing drugpeak@wanada.org.au or phoning (08) 9420 7236. JDFs can also be downloaded from the WANADA website. Indigenous people are encouraged to apply.

Applications should be sent or hand-delivered to WANADA, City West Lotteries House, 2 Delhi St, West Perth WA 6005 or sent to drugpeak@wanada.org.au.

Closing Date: 12noon Tuesday 4 December 2007.”

Howard mentions illicits – finally

Today John Howard announced that illicit drug uses convicted of a drug-related offence would have any welfare payments quarantined.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. The first that came to mind for me is the increase in crime that would occur with such an initiative. Although someone on welfare with a heavy addiction won’t be able to fund their habit that way, its fair to assume that at with even less cash at hand, crime will become an even more necessary option. I wonder if the broader public thinks of that if they even notice the announcement. The only other certainty is that the ALP won’t refute the proposal – more ‘me-too’ I would expect.

The Liberals’ full ‘Tough On Drugs’ policy for the election can be found here

Forensic Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor (Victoria)

“Moreland Hall offers a range of Forensic Alcohol and Other Drugs Support Services to the community in a variety of settings. We offer treatment services for clients referred by ASCO COATS and the Koori Court at Broadmeadows and prisoners of Port Phillip Prison.

We are currently seeking an experienced Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor to join our Forensic Services team based at Port Phillip Prison, Laverton to deliver psycho-educational group programs, facilitate training and program develop and evaluation and provide counselling and support services to clients and families and secondary consultation and liaison with key partner agencies.

To be successful you will require a relevant tertiary qualification, sound assessment and counselling skills and demonstrated knowledge working with a forensic population.

For further information and details on how to apply for this position please phone (03) 9384 8801 or go to the employment section on our website.

Applications are to be sent to the HR Manager, 26 Jessie Street, MORELAND 3058 OR email: jobs@morelandhall.org

Closing date for applications is 5pm Friday 30th November 2007

Moreland Hall has more than 35 years experience in the statewide delivery of alcohol and other drug services; we are a leader in the field. As an employer and Registered Training Organisation, Moreland Hall is committed to providing a positive and supportive work culture where employees have access to professional development and generous salary packaging arrangements.”

ADCA highlight election campaign silence on alcohol

Was pleased to see ADCA have upped the ante with the Labor and Liberal parties on their alcohol policy thoughts (or lack of) in the lead up to the election. The full press release:

‘Voters unaware of election alcohol policies

The Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) has sent personal letters to the leaders of the major political parties calling on them to review and announce their alcohol policies in relation to its misuse, excessive consumption, pricing, availability, accessibility and promotion. These are all contributing factors which directly impact on the health, family, social and welfare aspects of our community.

ADCA is the peak national body representing the interests of the Australian alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector nationally, and its primary role is to see a reduction in AOD-related harm nationally.

Chief Executive Officer of ADCA, David Templeman says “Each year 3000 Australians die and another 10 000 need ongoing medical treatment through alcohol-related harm. The annual cost in alcohol related absenteeism is 7.5 million working days and the economic impact of its misuse is $15.3 billion. Alcohol is not an ordinary commodity and should not be treated as one.”

ADCA acknowledges that Australian Governments have led the world in action to reduce harm tough drink-driving laws and reduced taxes on low alcohol beer, however in other areas Australia has lagged.

“ADCA believes wine taxes should be based on alcohol content and equalised with beer taxes per unit of alcohol. Raising alcohol taxes across the board would be effective in reducing alcohol related problems in Australia” Mr Templeman said.

“It should be the role of the Government to progressively increase tax rates for alcohol over several years, beyond CPI adjustments. Revenue gained from this should then be provided to treatment services and prevention programs,” he added.

Central to addressing the harm from alcohol is advertising. ADCA feels that promotion of alcohol should be managed more responsibly with advertisements carrying warning messages about the potential harms of abuse, similar to tobacco advertising and packaging.

“ADCA is committed to working with Government to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm throughout Australia, and we hope that this issue is given some serious consideration by all political parties in the lead up to the Federal election,” Mr Templeman said.’

Of course, chances are there’ll be zero response from either side.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report – Syringe Exchange

The USA’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) publishes the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) and it’s published some interesting data on syringe exchange. The abstract:

“Syringe exchange programs (SEPs) provide free sterile syringes in exchange for used syringes to reduce transmission of bloodborne pathogens among injection-drug users (IDUs). SEPs in the United States began as a way to prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other bloodborne infections such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends that persons who continue to inject drugs use a new, sterile syringe for each injection. Monitoring syringe exchange activity is an important part of assessing HIV prevention measures in the United States. As of November 2007, a total of 185 SEPs were operating in 36 states, the District of Columbia (DC), and Puerto Rico. This report summarizes a survey of SEP activities in the United States during 2005 and compares the findings with previous SEP surveys.

The findings indicated an increase in overall funding for SEPs, including an increase in public funding, and a stabilization in both the number of SEPs operating and the number of syringes exchanged since 2004. This report also documents an expansion of services offered by SEPs, a trend that resulted from an increase in state and local funding. These expanded services are helping protect IDUs and their communities from the spread of bloodborne pathogens and are providing access to health services
for a population at high risk. Monitoring of syringe exchange activity should continue.”

Manager, Adult and Specialist Programs – Western Health (Victoria)

Manager, Adult and Specialist Programs
Community Integration and Allied Health

Full Time

Contract until August 2008

This position provides direction to the Adult and Specialist services at DASWest and is an integral member of the management team. The role manages the staff involved in the delivery of programs and has responsibility around program accountabilities and budget management for these programs in conjunction with the Operations Manager of DASWest.

DASWest offers a wide range of treatment options to individuals and their families affected by substance use. An opportunity exists for a suitably qualified clinician to join a small team providing nursing support to people undergoing withdrawal in a community based environment.

Closing Date: 23/11/07

Enquiries: Moses Abbatangelo, Operations Manager – DASWest, Ph: 8345 6682 or Email Moses.Abbatangelo@wh.org.au

For complete advertisement, PD and application form, please visit www.westernhealth.org.au

Vacancy: Aboriginal Clinician MERIT Program, SSWAHS (NSW)

The Summer Hill MERIT team have two vacant Aboriginal identified positions as MERIT case managers (1 male clinician and 1 female clinician). These positions are readvertised and will appear in the Koori Mail on 7/11/07 and in the Indigenous Times on 13/11/07.

The team covers the Inner West Sydney area through Burwood, Bankstown and Newtown Courts and clients transferred from other areas (mainly Downing Centre Local Court). The service has a commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal clients. In addition to case management of clients, the position involves liaison and maintaining relationships with local communities and community organisations (mostly Redfern and Marrickville areas).

The service is based in a stand alone building, near public transport on Liverpool Road, Summer Hill/Ashfield. Approximately 15-20% of clients are of Aboriginal heritage. Support is offered through training, one to one and group supervision and support through the Sydney South West Area Health Service Aboriginal Network. Additional support or supervision by an Aboriginal Health Worker can be arranged on request.

About MERIT:
– Local court based drug treatment program allowing offenders with drug problems to undertake treatment as part of their bail
– A pre-plea program designed to divert people in to treatment at an early stage in the legal process
– Participation is voluntary and subject to approval by a Magistrate
– MERIT clients participate in an intensive 12 week tailored drug treatment and case management program and post MERIT support is arranged
– Types of treatment may include detoxification, residential rehabilitation, pharmacotherapies, individual and group counselling, skills development, case management, welfare support and assistance

For more information, contact Elizabeth Haines at Summer Hill MERIT if you have any questions about the positions on 9797 9930 or to arrange a visit to the MERIT office.

It’s campaign launch week – any ATOD news?

The final two weeks of the Federal election campaign is underway, with both of the major parties having their campaign launches this week. (If you’re wondering why the ‘launches’ are so late, Annabel Crabb gives an excellent explanation here).

I’ve pretty much given up hope of health announcements going beyond hospital funding in this campiagn but the optimist in me wonders if prevention might get a guernsey in the dying minutes. Or, either side may announce a national expansion of the drug court program. I can still wish. The only certainty is that either side is extremely unlikely to change the conservative policy direction, Greens holding the balance of power or not.

Vacancy: DPMP Senior Research Policy Officer

The Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP) is seeking someone to join the central team at NDARC in the role of Senior Research-Policy Officer. This position performs an essential function: connecting researchers and policy makers. The person will be responsible for developing, leading and evaluating a three-year program of activities that facilitates high-level linkage between researchers and policy makers.

This is an opportunity to work on a program that reviewers have said is at the cutting-edge of international drug policy work. It focuses on an area of great interest to both academics and policy makers – bridging the gap between the research and policy worlds.

Extensive experience as a policy maker or within political environments, an established network of contacts within government, strategic thinking and outstanding communication skills are essential.

The position is fixed term for 3 years. An attractive remuneration package (commensurate with qualifications and experience) will be negotiated with the successful candidate. Further information at: http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/services/recruitment/newjobres.html