headspace welcomes the Report on the Health Impacts of Alcohol and Other Drugs in Australia, released last week by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability.
Having contributed to the inquiry through submissions and hearings, headspace welcomes the report's focus on many of the issues raised by young people, family and services throughout the process, particularly the need for integrated care, increased workforce capability, flexible, locally-responsive services, and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and regional Australia.
These priorities align closely with headspace National's Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy, which focuses on holistic care, building workforce capability, reducing stigma and discrimination, and strengthening the evidence for what works for young people and family.
To be attributed to headspace CEO Jason Trethowan:
"We support the report's focus on prevention, early intervention and harm reduction, including stronger action on alcohol advertising and marketing. Young people see gambling advertising on many of the same platforms. AOD use, gambling and mental health are often linked, and responses should address them together.
"Young people tell us that alcohol and other drug use is rarely the only thing going on in their lives. It sits alongside their mental and physical health, relationships, study and work, and pressures such as housing, cost of living and loneliness.
"They should be able to talk about all of it in one place, with workers who reflect and understand their community. The committee's call for integrated, locally-responsive care reflects what young people have told us they need.
"Young people deserve to be supported by workers who can talk about alcohol and other drug use without judgement. Stronger training, supervision and clinical education across the entire workforce will mean more young people get the right support sooner. headspace invests in developing that workforce through student placements, our Early Career Program, clinical education and supervision.
"Family tell us they need support too. For family of children and young people with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), that means access to information, help navigating services and practical strategies alongside clinical care. It also means family, schools and services working together so young people receive consistent, coordinated support.
"As the Government considers the report's recommendations, headspace will continue to advocate for alcohol and other drug responses that recognise the particular needs and experiences of young people, AOD pathways that integrate with digital models of care, and the involvement of young people and family in service design.
"This report provides a strong foundation for that work and for continuing to improve prevention, treatment and harm reduction responses for young people, family and communities. headspace looks forward to working with government, young people, family and the sector to put these recommendations into practice."
