More Local Drug Action Teams are set to rollout across Australia as the Coalition Government continues to take action to combat the scourge of ice and other illicit drugs.
The Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) program helps communities to develop plans and activities to prevent and reduce the harm caused by drugs and alcohol in their areas.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said applications were now open for the third round of the program.
“Team members could include representatives from local councils, schools, police, youth services, primary health services and treatment services, community groups and non-government organisations,” Mr Chester said.
“Any organisation with an interest in tackling drug and alcohol issues in their community is encouraged to apply. Two Gippsland teams secured support in previous funding rounds.”
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the LDATs were a key element of the Coalition Government’s $298 million National Ice Action Strategy to combat illicit drug and alcohol use.
“The National Ice Taskforce recognised taking action at the local level and building community engagement and capacity is vital to reducing the harms that alcohol and other drugs have on individuals, families and communities,” Minister Hunt said.
Minister for Rural Health Senator Bridget McKenzie welcomed the latest round of LDATs acknowledging regional communities were often the hardest hit when it came to epidemics such as ice addiction.
“Communities are working hard to establish and implement preventive and support services and this latest round of LDATs is assisting communities further,” Minister McKenzie said.
“The Government is encouraging regional health care providers to apply to become an LDAT. Expertise in drug and alcohol issues is not a prerequisite.”
There are now 80 LDATs across Australia representing more than 300 partnerships.
Successful applicants will initially receive $10,000 to help them to develop a local action plan. Once the plan is finalised, LDATs can apply to receive up to an additional $30,000 in their first year and then $40,000 a year to support delivery of local activities.
Examples of activities an LDAT might deliver include:
• raising awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine (or ice) and encouraging users to seek help;
• working with vulnerable people to improve their current situation through education or employment services;
• providing support and information to parents and carers to enable them to talk about alcohol and other drug issues with their children; and
• developing local solutions for reducing violence and other harm related to alcohol and other drugs in public places.
Applications for round three of the LDAT program close February 19, 2018. There will be more opportunities to be part of the program later this year and in 2019.
For more information visit www.adf.org.au/ldat