|
Article 1 - The National Drug Policy Review
A new approach needed
The big question in recent times is about whether it is better to prevent drug use or whether it is better to supervise it.
"Some people will take drugs and isn't it better to supervise them? We are asked."
Throughout history, society has always strived for a better future for all people. In modern times we continue to seek more compassionate, more integrated and more effective policies and programs.
Comprehensive Prevention of Harm is clearly a call for such an improvement. Over almost two decades, Harm Minisation has been watered down to a point where it is meaningless and in disarray.
We are calling on the Federal Government to adopt a fully integrated National policy of Comprehensive Prevention of Harm.
* See our Charter.
* See National Policies.
Comprehensive Prevention of Harm must include;
1. Primary Supply Reduction
2. Secondary Supply Recution
3. Primary Demand Reduction
4. Secondary Demand Reduction
see also our Links Page
Who to contact to have your say?
Write to the ANCD Chairman
Write to the PM
Untill we as a national focus our attention on prevention, be it prevention of induction to addiction, prevention of further harm or prevention of continued addiction we will merely be perpetuating the harm from illicit drugs, not reducing it.
This original message was the first many members of the public knew of this ..... it is our view that this policy shoudl FIRST ask the public what outcomes they want .... and THEN set goals and establish steps to achieve those outcomes.
Ask yourself what you should be submitting to this process NOW!!!
Posted to the UPDATE Listserve by ADCA at the request of Odyssey House Victoria
Posted by ADCA upon request from Odyssey house Victoria
Dear Update subscribers
Success Works in association with The Odyssey Institute are conducting
an evaluation of the National Drug Strategic Framework. This is an
important opportunity for those related to or involved in the alcohol
and drug sector to have input into the current national evaluation.
We are interested in your views. Attached is some information regarding
the terms of reference and some key questions. We welcome your
comments. Please feel free to comment as little or as much as you would
like however we would like to receive your comments by the 11th of
April.
Please forward your comments to either myself or to Success Works
(caroline@success-works.com.au).
Information about the NDSF evaluation is attached.
National Drug Strategy Framework
The National Drug Strategic Framework presents a shared vision, a
framework for cooperation, and a basis for coordinated action to reduce
the harm caused by drugs in Australia.
Success Works in association with the Odyssey Institute has been
appointed to conduct an evaluation of the National Drug Strategy
Framework. The consultant team includes Dr. Tricia Szirom; Professor
Neil Comrie, Neos Zavrou, Anne Blyth, Dr. Stephen Mugford and Jane
Mugford and Cathi Moore.
The project will involve evaluation of four key components:
Commonwealth initiatives.
State/Territory initiatives.
Advisory Committee Structure.
Links with other Strategies.
Each of these components will be evaluated against the twelve identified
objectives of the National Drug Strategic Framework. The evaluation
strategy will take an integrated approach, with several cross-cuts
across the four components. Attention will be given to the
appropriateness of the structures and governance arrangements in place
to implement the national strategy. The team is keen to identify through
the consultation process perceived barriers to effectiveness of the
Framework and ways these could be addressed. Consideration will also be
given as to how the environment has changed since the last evaluation by
Single and Rohl The National Drug Strategy: mapping the future.
The review will also focus on the processes by which the National Action
Plans have been developed, maintained and implemented. Consideration
will be given to the impact of the National Action Plans in terms of
outputs, intermediate outcomes and cost effectiveness.
The evaluation will be guided by the seven Terms of Reference:
1. Assess the impact of the National Drugs Strategy Framework
(NSDF) on reducing demand, supply and harm to individuals and the
community
2. Identify current and emerging trends in drug problems
3. Propose changes to existing indicators for monitoring and
evaluation
4. Identify deficiencies or gaps in data collection
5. Review processes by which national actions plans have been
developed, etc.
6. Consider the appropriateness of structures and governance
arrangements
7. Propose required changes to NDSF
Site visits in each State/Territory to provide key stakeholders with the
opportunity to interact around various issues at critical points in the
process are an integral part of the consultation process but will not
allow all to have an opportunity to express their views. We feel that
sectors views regarding the NDSF are important. As part of the
consultation process we are asking for written submission or comment.
The following questions are meant as a guide for those who wish to
contribute their views. The latter questions are specific the
evaluation will be focusing on. Thank you for your contribution.
Key Questions
1. What are the key drug and/or alcohol issues for your sector?
2. In what way(s) is the NDSF relevant to your sector?
3. How could your sector be more effectively engaged in a future
NDSF?
4. Is harm minimisation still the appropriate underpinning
principle?
5. Other principles for a future NDSF?
6. Priorities for future development?
EVALUATION OF THE NATIONAL DRUG STRATEGY FRAMEWORK
TERMS OF REFERENCE AND ASSOCIATED QUESTIONS
Terms of Reference 1: Assess the impact of the National Drugs
Strategy Framework (NDSF) on reducing demand, supply and harm to
individuals and the community
Key Questions:
How familiar are you with the NDSF?
Generally, and in your specific area of interest, what has
been the impact of the NDSF?
How have you come to this conclusion?
Can you comment on the relevant effectiveness of the NDSF in
terms of demand, supply and harm minimisation?
Terms of Reference 2: Identify current and emerging trends in
drug problems
Key Questions
What are the current and emerging trends in drug problems?
What challenges will these emerging trends present for you in
the next three years?
How can the focus of the framework be shifted to ensure it is
relevant and responsive to emerging trends?
Given the current and emerging trends, is harm minimisation
still an appropriate key principle in addressing these issues?
What other key principles need to be considered?
Terms of Reference 3: Propose changes to existing indicators
for monitoring and evaluation
Key Questions:
Are you aware of any indicators for monitoring and evaluating
the NDSF?
Are existing indicators giving satisfactory data to
stakeholders?
How, in your view, can the evaluation agenda be best moved
forward?
What other indicators for monitoring and evaluation would you
suggest?
Terms of Reference 4: Identify deficiencies or gaps in data
collection
Key Questions:
How do you identify current and emerging trends in drug
problems in your area?
Does this process allow you access to timely and relevant data
to use effectively in your situation?
In your view what are the gaps in data collection?
Is the data collection attuned to the objectives of the NDSF?
1. What data do you collect on drug-related use, behaviours,
attitudes and beliefs?
2. Which of these data do you provide to State/Commonwealth
agencies?
3. What access arrangements exist for these data?
4. What is the purpose of collecting these data?
5. What are the constraints to collecting these data?
6. What data would you like to collect and why?
7. What data do you need and/or use to inform your work?
8. How do you use data to evaluate your policies and programs?
Terms of Reference 5: review processes by which national
action plans have been developed, etc.
Key Questions:
Is the process by which the action plans been developed
effective?
How have you arrived at this conclusion?
Do those processes deliver effective national action plans?
How effectively are the strategies being implemented at the
national and jurisdictional level?
Have you any suggestions for improvement?
Terms of Reference 6: Consider the appropriateness of
structures and governance arrangements
Key Questions:
Are the current structures and governance arrangements still
appropriate?
What are the strengths/weaknesses in the relationship between
Commonwealth and States/Territories?
How are critical issues advanced in the current structure?
Do current structures support the development and maintenance
of a national approach?
Are the current arrangements the most cost effective? What
are the alternatives (e.g. contracting/States doing own thing)?
Is a national approach to drug strategy of value?
What structures and processes are required to take the NDSF
into the next phase?
Terms of Reference 7: Propose required changes to NDSF
Key Questions:
What changes would you like to see to the NDSF in relation to:
- Principles (as per Chapter 3 of the NDSF)
- Objectives
- Indicators for monitoring and evaluation
- Data collection
- Processes for the development and implementation of national
action plans
- Structures and governance arrangements
Do you have any other general comments or suggestions?
? Mail: Success Works
91A Station Street
FAIRFIELD 3078
OR
Tel : (03) 9481 5979
Fax : (03) 9481 7560
Email:caroline@success-works.com.au
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER
Neos Zavrou
Director
Odyssey Institute of Studies
211 Victoria Parade
Collingwood VIC 3066
Telephone: 61(3) 9412 7910
Mobile: 0438 229 461
Facsimile: 61(3) 9416 4216
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<end of original message>
If this backwards approach to policy review is a concern to you also, write to us, let us know and we'll express your concerns through the corridoors of parliament.
We should be looking for solutions not harm management industries!!!!
Let the people have a say!!!!
|
