The Queensland Mental Health Commission is hosting a Brisbane community forum and statewide webinar on 25 February to inform a renewed approach to alcohol and other drugs.
Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said the community forums would canvas community perspectives as the Commission continued work on a renewed statewide plan for alcohol and other drug reform.
“Our goal is to prevent and reduce the adverse effects of alcohol and other drugs on the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders,” he said.
“We’ve conducted extensive consultation to inform an alcohol and other drugs plan for Queensland, and we want to ensure we also hear regional perspectives and provide opportunities for interested people to share their views on what the key issues are.”
Mr Frkovic said the renewed plan would consider a range of issues spanning drug policy reform, the effects of alcohol – including fetal alcohol syndrome disorder, the use of inhalants, access to services, and more.
The Commission has released 10 consultation papers written by independent alcohol and other drug experts to map out evidence-based options for reform, built on themes identified through extensive consultations over the past 12 months.
“The community forums will share information on what we’ve learned so far and invite others to contribute their perspectives,” Mr Frkovic said.
“For those who can’t get to an event in person, we’ll be hosting an online conversation on 25 February. People can also contribute by completing a short anonymous online survey.
“The use of alcohol and other drugs affects the whole community, and complex issues such as stigma, access to treatment services, community safety, workforce development, and early intervention and prevention make it a challenging topic to tackle.
“The renewed plan will aim to help reduce the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs, and we look forward to hearing the community’s input.”
Read the consultation papers and find the survey here.
Register for the Leading Reform Brisbane in-person and online event here.
Register for the regional forums here.
Events:
- Leading Reform Brisbane webinar
Thursday 25 February, 10am-12pm
Auditorium One, State Library Queensland and online.
Register here.
- Gladstone
Monday 1 March, 6-8pm
Oaks Gladstone Grand Hotel
- Caboolture
Wednesday 3 March, 6-8pm
Caboolture Hub
- Roma
Thursday 4 March, 5:30-7:30pm
Explorer's Inn Conference Centre
- Cairns
Monday 8 March 2021
6pm-8pm
Pullman Cairns International
Media: Carolyn Varley, 0477 385 121, Carolyn.varley@qmhc.qld.gov.au
