Patterns of drug and alcohol use are changing and this issues paper provides an overview of the health impacts in Australia. It identifies opportunities to revise and enhance Australia's approach to alcohol and drugs, including reviewing the current funding allocation across demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction.

The paper is the result of an inquiry and observes that a fuller investigation of the issues would be beneficial to develop effective policy responses. 

Key points

• Submissions identified issues with current service models in the alcohol and drug sector, but also best practice models in Australia and overseas that should be further explored.
• Alcohol and drug harm does not impact all Australians equally and further study of the most affected cohorts and their unique requirements would be worthwhile.
• The impact of AOD harms on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is recognised in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (the Agreement), and efforts to address harmful substance use cut across most targets and outcomes set out in the Agreement.
• The impact and prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in Australia among priority populations, such as First Nations communities, is substantial.
• Submissions supported the establishment of a national governing body to oversee the implementation of the National Drug Strategy and facilitate cross-sector and cross-jurisdiction collaboration.
• The present funding allocation across demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction is strongly weighted towards law enforcement efforts to reduce supply and many submissions argued for a more health-led response.