The Coalition government continues to take action to combat the scourge of ice and other illicit drugs with more Local Drug Action Teams set to rollout across Australia.
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Cowper MP Luke Hartsuyker said applications are now open for round three of the LDAT program.
This helps to bring the community together to develop plans and activities to prevent and reduce the harm caused by drugs and alcohol.
“LDAT members could include representatives from local councils, schools, police, youth services, primary health services and treatment services, community groups, non-government organisations,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the program is a key measure within the Coalition 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.
Minister for Rural Health, Senator Bridget McKenzie has welcomed the latest round of LDATs acknowledging regional communities are often the hardest hit when it comes to epidemics such as ice addiction.
“Communities are working hard to establish and implement preventive and support services and this latest round of LDATs are assisting communities further,” Minister McKenzie said.
“The Government is encouraging regional health care providers to apply to become an LDAT. Expertise in drug and alcohol issues is not a prerequisite to form an LDAT.”
Mr Hartsuyker said the Alcohol and Drug Foundation will help new LDATs to develop and implement action plans targeted to their needs.
“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 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.
Applications close February 19, with further opportunities available later this year and in 2019. For information visit www.adf.org.au/ldat
