The ACT Government has been updating its Drug Strategy Action Plan 2022-2026 to replace the now-concluded 2018-21 Drug Strategy Action Plan. The Action Plan outlines the ACT Government’s priorities to address harms from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs over the next four years.
FARE supported many aspects of the draft plan including the collaborative and whole-of-system approach; principles promoting access and equity; a social determinants approach; valuing the lived experience of people, families and carers; and taking a person-centred approach. FARE also welcomed the action to review relevant legislation on online liquor sales and delivery to ensure it is minimising harm.
FARE specifically recommended strengthening regulation of alcohol promotions, improving access to diagnosis and screening of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and reviewing the regulation of online sales and delivery, (including banning rapid and late-night deliveries, predatory marketing and implementing effective online ID check age verification). FARE also supported Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA) recommendations to increase funding of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) services, increase the ATOD workforce, and to review and amend the make-up of the Liquor Advisory Board.
