Drug Law Reform Inquiry

27 Mar 2018
by Kristen Smyth

More than 50 recommendations from the Victorian Parliament inquiry into Drug Law Reform have been tabled today in nearly 600 pages of a report that picks up from Turning Point's submission last year.

The Victorian Parliament inquiry into Drug Law Reform Report was tabled publicly today with 50 recommendations made that broadly reflect the recommendations put forward by Turning Point during hearings in May 2017. The report supports the recognition for greater balance between traditional law enforcement and health‐based responses in order to have a broader positive effect on the health and safety of communities.  

Download the Inquiry into drug law reform report (5.3MB PDF)

Recommendations include:

  1. Development of a practice‐friendly treatment pathway tool/resource for general practitioners (GPs) to enhance their awareness and understanding of referral to the alcohol and other drug treatment sector. (A recommendation suggests that the Victorian Government review how Turning Point’s Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service (DACAS) could be better utilised among GPs, including through increased funding.

  2. Identifying further funding options through mapping the current capacity and gaps within AOD service delivery against existing and future demand for services. Particular attention to be provided to all treatment options to ensure exibility in service delivery, acknowledging diversity and differing needs among potential clients. Specific opportunities should be identified for different cohort groups such as clients with co‐existing mental health issues and substance use disorders, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and those from rural and regional areas

  3. Explore effective and workable measures to expand Victoria’s specialist addiction medicine capacity, in addition to ensuring the AOD treatment sector is adequately supported by its existing workforce.

  4. Explore options for a public multidisciplinary health clinic model that comprises access to opioid substitution therapy prescribing doctors, addiction specialists, mental health services, support and other allied health services

  5. Address number of private unregistered providers of alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment and continue to advocate for the development of a national regulatory framework and standards for private AOD treatment.