Locals keen to take action on ice and other illicit drugs have been invited to apply for the third round of the Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) program, which aims to bring the community together to develop strategies to prevent and reduce the harm caused by drugs and alcohol.
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“LDAT members could include representatives from local councils, New England schools, police, youth services, primary health services and treatment services, community groups and non-government organisations,” Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said.
He said any organisation with an interest in tackling drug and alcohol issues in the community should consider applying.
“Together, we can hope to make some difference in the fight against these highly addictive drugs which are gripping regional and rural communities like our own,” Mr Joyce said.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said that the initiative was a key measure within the Government’s $298 million National Ice Action Strategy to combat illicit drug and alcohol use.
“The National Ice Taskforce recognised that taking action at the local level and building community engagement and capacity is vital to reducing the harms that alcohol and other drugs have on individuals, families and communities.” Minister Hunt said.
Expertise in drug and alcohol issues is not a prerequisite to form a LDAT, and Mr Joyce said the Alcohol and Drug Foundation will help new LDATs to develop and implement action plans targeted to their local needs.
“There are now 80 LDATs across Australia representing more than 300 partnerships, but many more communities can benefit from this program,” he said.
“Successful applicants will initially receive $10,000 to help them to develop a local action plan. Once the plan is finalised, LDATs can apply to receive up to an additional $30,000 in their first year (and then $40,000 a year) to support delivery of local activities.”
Examples of activities that an LDAT might deliver include:
- Raising awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine (also known as ‘ice’) and encouraging users to seek help.
- Working with vulnerable people to improve their current situation through education or employment services.
- Providing support and information to parents and carers to enable them to talk about alcohol and other drug issues with their children.
- Developing local solutions for reducing violence and other harm related to alcohol and other drugs in public places.
