The following report details some of the key initiatives to be undertaken by the NSW Government over the next four years to change the culture of alcohol abuse.

A Summit on Alcohol Abuse was held in the NSW Parliament in August 2003. All members of Parliament, experts, community leaders, and industry representatives were invited. Over 300 people attended the four day Summit, and participated in the proceedings and deliberations.

The Summit communiqué contained 318 recommendations. The Government has provided a detailed response to each of these recommendations as outlined in Outcomes of the NSW Summit on Alcohol Abuse 2003: Changing the Culture of Alcohol Use in New South Wales, May 2004.

This report is a summary of that NSW Government response and should be read in conjunction with the more detailed document available on www.alcoholinfo.nsw.gov.au

The Summit heard from expert speakers and submissions that alcohol abuse costs New South Wales $7 million each day ($2.5 billion in a year) through lost labour and productivity, and the alcohol related costs arising from crime, road accidents and to the health system.

Assaults, domestic violence, accidents, injury, property damage, offensive behaviour and very serious crime are often outcomes of excessive drinking or alcohol dependence. All have a serious impact on individuals, families and local communities.

The NSW Government’s response to the Summit seeks to change the way the community uses and thinks about alcohol, and to improve and better target services and programs to deal with the effects of alcohol misuse

The response includes actions in the following areas:

§ more education and communication about alcohol

§ preventing and reducing the risk of harm to families and young people

§ helping Indigenous communities

§ more targeted health and treatment services

§ preventing injury and trauma

§ building the capacity of the workforce

§ dealing with alcohol related crime

§ promoting responsible service and supply

§ regular monitoring and coordination of alcohol abuse initiatives.

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Section 1: The Community

A new Alcohol Education and Information Taskforce will be established to promote consistent and coordinated community alcohol education and information programs across the State. It will include independent experts, industry representatives, and community representatives. (1.3)

An overall NSW Alcohol Communication Plan will be developed by NSW Health working with the Taskforce, to provide direction for cross-Government alcohol education and information initiatives. (1.3)

At a community level the Community Drug and Alcohol Program will encourage community action on alcohol abuse through the work of Community Drug Action Teams, involving local community representatives and local agencies. (1.5)

The Drug Information at Your Local Library (DI@YLL) project will be expanded to cover drugs and alcohol and will provide more information resources on alcohol for local communities through the 382 local libraries that are part of the program. (1.5)

An expanded Good Sports Accreditation Program in New South Wales to encourage safe drinking practices and healthy lifestyles in sports clubs and associations will be promoted by the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation and the Australian Drug Foundation, with the aim of bringing more sporting clubs into the program. (1.5, 1.9)

The Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code is being amended by the liquor industry to:

§ encourage advertisements for alcohol which promote drinking that are consistent with the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NH&MRC) Australian Alcohol Guidelines

§ include reference to the NH&MRC’s guidelines in the code. (1.7, 1.8)

A review of alcohol products and promotions that may be deliberately targeted at minors has been established by the Minister for Gaming and Racing. It will consider how existing controls can be improved to ensure products and promotions do not encourage underage drinking or excessive consumption by legal age drinkers. (1.7, 1.8)

The Department of Education and Training will develop a new primary school ‘big book’ kit on alcohol issues, including posters, teaching and learning activities, and awareness raising materials for parents, to support teachers who deliver drug education to primary school children. (1.11)

A new peer led alcohol lessons for students program will be trialled in schools to increase the knowledge and understanding of alcohol and its effects by junior high school students. Older students will be trained in how to be peer leaders in the program. (1.11)

An Aboriginal Youth Leadership project to promote the participation of Aboriginal young people within the community, healthy lifestyles and positive role models, will be developed by the Office of Children and Young People as a means of building the protection, resilience and capacity of young Aboriginal leaders. (1.11)

Four regional youth forums, which will include segments on alcohol, drugs and safety, will be run by young people during 2004. One of these forums will be an Aboriginal Youth Forum and will focus on the nature of youth peer support mechanisms in Aboriginal communities. The Office of Children and Young People will hold the forums with local councils. (1.11)

NSW Health will develop a new information and education program for families and carers of people with an alcohol or drug problem in Aboriginal communities with new resources to be available later this year. (1.12)

The Government will promote new trial intensive local Aboriginal community action plans. The trial will involve three selected Aboriginal communities developing community resources and community action plans with the aim of building the capacity and leadership skills of those Aboriginal communities and increasing their capacity to tackle the problems associated with alcohol abuse. (1.12)

Aboriginal Community Liquor Accords will be trialled in areas of high need. They will be facilitated by the Department of Gaming and Racing. An Aboriginal specific ‘No More. It’s Our Law’ responsible drinking campaign based on the successful ‘No More. It’s the Law’ campaign will also be trialled in a number of Aboriginal communities. (1.12)

The Government will work with the liquor industry to promote an Australia wide industry sponsored retailer alert system modelled on overseas experiences with the possibility of an initial trial in New South Wales. It will encourage retailers to remove alcohol products from sale if they breach the Guidelines on Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcohol Products issued by the National Alcohol Beverages Industry Council. (1.13)

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Section 2: Preventing Abuse and Harm

Whole of government and whole of community approaches to preventing alcohol abuse and harm will be tackled through a partnership approach with groups such as the Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies, the Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre, the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation, and the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW. (2.1)

Improved information and evidence based approaches to alcohol abuse will be promoted through:

§ development of key reporting criteria for Government agencies and the non-government sector so that Government programs and Government grants to non-government organisations are systematically assessed and evaluated to make sure the investment in alcohol harm reduction programs is evidence based and effective (2.2)

§ National uniform collection of key alcohol sales data to provide information on drinking levels by beverage and outlet type to be encouraged through the Ministerial Council on Drugs (2.5)

§ promotion of better community information through a new Government alcohol information website which will commence shortly. (2.7)

Supply side prevention initiatives will be promoted via partnerships with the liquor industry through the Liquor Industry Consultative Council. The Council will be asked to consider:

§ a review of the industry’s Code of Practice for Responsible Promotion of Liquor Products to ensure it deals with issues raised at the Summit (2.8)

§ an industry funded partnership of alcohol producers and retailers to promote harm minimisation messages in ways similar to the examples that have been established overseas (2.10)

§ a new code of practice relating to the sponsorship of under-18 sports and events by the liquor and hospitality industries. (2.25)

Responsible service practices will be enhanced through publication of guidelines for BYO restaurants, broadening of the Responsible Service Training requirements which have been announced for security officers at licensed venues, and development of “refresher” Responsible Service Training to maintain industry standards. (2.12)

Prevention strategies in Aboriginal communities will be promoted through a follow up to the pre-Summit Aboriginal Talking About Grog forum, to be held during 2004 and convened by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. (2.16)

The Department of Education and Training will introduce a new teacher CD-Rom training and development package on Drug Education in Culturally Diverse Classrooms as part of the prevention approaches for culturally diverse families and communities. (2.21)

To promote an improved and responsible drinking culture associated with sport, the NSW Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation will work with ten regional academies of sport in New South Wales to include comprehensive education on alcohol and sport for academy participants. (2.26)

Government school guidelines on consuming alcohol on school premises and at functions, will be reviewed to include information advising schools on the use of alcohol in fundraising raffles involving minors. (2.28)

The Personal Development, Health and Physical Education curriculum undertaken by all students in New South Wales schools will be reviewed during 2004 to ensure that students learn and practise assertiveness and decision-making skills that will enable them to avoid alcohol misuse. (2.29)

A new booklet, Young people and drugs: a guide for school staff to support students, will be sent to all schools in 2004 to assist school staff to implement prevention and intervention strategies, and to help young people who may be experiencing drug and alcohol problems. (2.29)

Funding through to 2008/2009 has been provided for the Youthsafe program for the prevention of serious injuries in young people aged 15-25 years. The funding will allow Youthsafe to run school workshops looking at the consequences of risk taking with regard to alcohol and drugs. Areas of concern include young people on the roads, in the workplace and in sport and recreation arenas. (2.29)

The high school drink driving program is being revised to address the new zero blood alcohol limits for L and P plate drivers. (5.9)

The Schools as Community Centres Program will be expanded from 35 to 42 centres, to improve support for parents with children under the age of eight years in disadvantaged communities. Four centres will be established in Fennell Bay, Goulburn, Queanbeyan and Willmot during 2004, and another three are expected to be established in 2005. (2.30)

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Section 3: Dependence, Disease and Treatment

A new Committee on Alcohol Disease Prevention will be convened by the Deputy Chief Health Officer and involve medical and population health experts, non-government organisations, and the liquor industry to examine options for disease prevention. (3.1)

A new ten year NSW Health Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services Development Plan 2006-2015 will be developed to update the NSW Drug Treatment Services Plan written after the 1999 Drug Summit. It will incorporate alcohol into its model of care and provide directions for alcohol clinical services. The plan will be developed in consultation with Area Health Services, medical experts and the non-government sector. (3.6)

The current capacity, distribution and mix of detoxification services will be examined in developing the plan, and current clinical practice guidelines and protocols on detoxification will be reviewed. (3.7)

Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services will be enhanced by:

§ New case management guidelines for drug and alcohol treatment and a policy framework for drug and alcohol case management are currently being finalised and will be available next year. This will also be associated with development of formal interagency agreements or Memorandums of Understanding between Area Health Services and social support agencies to ensure clients can easily be referred to appropriate services. (3.10)

§ A new Quality Framework for Managing Drug Treatment Services which will include alcohol treatment and will be completed next year. It will address issues such as clinical governance, quality control, and accreditation of service providers. (3.11)

§ Improved approaches to relapse prevention by promotion of discharge plans to provide health clients with information on post treatment support. (3.23)

§ Promotion of new directions for professional education and training for health workers to encourage early identification and brief interventions associated with alcohol through a new NSW Health Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Strategic Plan. Non-government organisations will also be assisted by development of a Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Toolkit for non-government organisation managers. (3.3)

§ Improved training for health workers who provide services to Aboriginal communities will be promoted through partnerships with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council in developing new Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Traineeships, Training Agreements, accredited drug and alcohol courses for Aboriginal workers, and new culturally appropriate training resources. NSW Health will continue to support the recently established Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Network of about 30 Aboriginal health workers. (3.15-3.17)

Area Health Service Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services Plans will be linked to existing Area Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services Plans. The Centre for Drug and Alcohol will also develop specific Guidelines for Drug and Alcohol Detoxification in Aboriginal Communities, and Guidelines for Managing Aboriginal Clients in Residential Rehabilitation. (3.18)

The development of an Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Action Plan will continue. It will be linked to the outcomes of the Alcohol Summit and the NSW Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services Development Plan 2006-2015. (3.20)

The problems of people with combined health and mental disorders will be considered following the receipt of the Report of the Advisory Committee on Best Practice Service Delivery for People with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, also known as dual diagnosis. Three key trials around this issue are presently being considered. The trials will focus on homeless people, young people, and Indigenous people. (3.13)

New Dual Diagnosis Liaison Projects in eight Area Health Services over the next four years will establish models of care that facilitate better coordination across services, and develop new service models. (3.13)

NSW Health will also develop and issue guidelines on the management of psychosocial issues relating to alcohol dependency. (3.23)

A NSW Health Youth Alcohol Action Plan 2005-2009 will be developed over the next year. (3.21, 3.22)

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Section 4: Service Delivery - Health

New ten year integrated Area Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services Plans 2006-2015 will be produced. (4.4)

Best Practice Guidelines: Screening for Alcohol Abuse will be developed by NSW Health to be used by health professionals in primary care settings. The Guidelines will be used to promote practical steps to be undertaken to screen for alcohol abuse including assessments of the level of drinking, the level of dependence, physical effects of alcohol use, as well as any psychiatric comorbidity. (4.2, 4.5, 4.6, 4.11)

New Case Management Guidelines for drug and alcohol treatment will be based on the chain of care model which establishes cooperation between all agencies and services. (4.5, 4.6, 4.11)

In practical terms, each Area Health Service will develop Integrated Care Pathways for patients requiring treatment for alcohol abuse which will standardise the components of care and treatment. (4.2)

NSW Health has trialled the provision of a correspondence based Controlled Drinking by Correspondence Program for non-dependent drinkers managed by Western Sydney Area Health Services. The program is a state-wide program and will be extended to ensure increased access to treatment for working people and people from rural areas. (4.3)

NSW Health data on alcohol related trauma will be enhanced by developing alcohol related questions for inclusion in the inpatient hospital data set for all trauma cases, by asking the NSW Ambulance Service to investigate coding all cases in which alcohol involvement is suspected, and by developing new electronic reporting systems to monitor trends in alcohol dependence, disease, and treatment. (4.8)

Best practice guidelines for residential rehabilitation for culturally and linguistically diverse communities will be developed by NSW Health in partnership with the Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC). (4.12, 4.13)

Options for controlling the sale of methylated spirits will be carefully examined in order to reduce its availability to chronic street drinkers. This will include:

§ Examination of possible amendments to the NSW Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 to make it an offence to knowingly supply methylated spirits (as well as glue, paints and solvents) for inhalation or consumption, or to display, promote or store these products in a way that encourages inhalation or consumption.

§ Investigation of education approaches in specific areas where the use of methylated spirits appears to be prevalent. These may include forums by Community Drug Actions Teams with local retailers, or education and referral approaches to be undertaken by case workers in homeless services, or other services that have regular contact with people who drink methylated spirits. (4.23)

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Section 5: Injury and Trauma

The Department of Commerce and WorkCover will establish a Working Group on Alcohol Related Injury and Trauma in the Workplace, involving both employer and employee representation, to consider what more can be done to ensure workplaces where alcohol is a factor are healthy and safe. (5.1)

To help ensure passenger safety, the Government will introduce random alcohol testing for private and public rail, bus and ferry operators during 2004. (5.1)

The Roads and Traffic Authority will introduce new resources for high schools which will discuss alcohol and provide information on the effects of alcohol in road accidents. (5.2)

The Government supports random breath testing on New South Wales waterways and will develop legislation to enable this. (5.3)

NSW Waterways will develop an updated and improved Water Safety Plan for New South Wales with a specific focus on alcohol use around aquatic activities. The Water Safety Taskforce will work with key stakeholders in developing the plan to prevent future alcohol related drowning, and will develop new campaigns to promote responsible use of alcohol in connection with aquatic activities. (5.4)

A Country Road Safety Summit will be held in May 2004 at Port Macquarie. It will focus on practical ways to reduce trauma on country roads. (5.5)

The Attorney General’s Department will establish an interagency Working Party on Drink Driving Offences to examine the way that the Courts respond to drink driver convictions that involve a high range blood alcohol concentration. (5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.12)

A new zero blood alcohol limit for L and P plate drivers commenced on 3 May 2004. The new limit was introduced via the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Amendment (Alcohol) Act 2004. (5.9)

The new Alcohol Interlock Program commenced on 8 September 2003. The Courts can now sentence a driver, who is disqualified as a result of a major alcohol related conviction, to a reduced disqualification period, followed by a period on a conditional driver licence when they can only drive a car fitted with an interlock device. The first interlock driver licence was issued on 20 November 2003. (5.10-5.12)

The NSW Sober Driving Program, a court based post-conviction mandated educational program, is now being rolled out across the State. (5.12)

The RTA will develop a state-wide, whole of government drink driving education and rehabilitation program for young, high range offenders during 2004/2005. The program will target those drivers at the greatest risk for involvement in alcohol related injury and trauma on New South Wales roads. (5.13)

The Road Safety Taskforce has been asked to review and report, by the end of 2004, on pedestrian safety and initiatives which could reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities. (5.17)

NSW Health will review current data collection and development concerning alcohol related trauma. The NSW Ambulance Service will be asked to investigate coding all areas in which alcohol involvement in suspected. (5.18)

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Section 6: Family and Wellbeing

An adolescent and family counselling project for families with adolescent children who are using drug and alcohol will be undertaken by the Department of Community Services during 2004 and 2005 in two locations. Families with young people aged 10-17 years who are contemplating leaving home or who have recently left home will be targeted and one of the trials will assist Aboriginal families. (6.4, 6.6)

A series of professional workshops will be held for teachers in the Western New South Wales, New England and North Coast regions during 2004 to support the implementation of the Healing Time Stage 4 resource for Years 7-8. Healing Time provides culturally appropriate drug education to engage primary and secondary students in government schools, particularly Aboriginal students. (6.4, 6.6)

New Intensive Family Preservation Services will be established in Bourke and Wollongong to help and support Aboriginal families in times of crisis and where child protection concerns exist. (6.7)

A Families and Carers Training Project is being developed under the Commonwealth/ NSW National Illicit Drug Strategy for commencement in 2004. The project encompasses information resources for families and carers, and training in family support issues for up to 425 generalist workers across all Area Health Services by the Centre for Community Welfare Training. (6.7)

An Aboriginal Communities Protecting Children Project is being developed by the Education Centre Against Violence with the NSW Commission for Children and Young People. The project will train Aboriginal workers and community members who can facilitate community education and community development programs on child protection, and also provide a community education manual. (6.8)

Routine domestic violence screening for women attending drug and alcohol facilities and antenatal services will be introduced by Area Health Services under the NSW Health Domestic Violence policy, as a prevention and early intervention strategy. (6.8)

An antenatal screening tool that will include screening for alcohol and drug use is also being developed by NSW Health for use in public maternity hospitals at the 20-week antenatal visit. (6.8)

Approximately 75 Indent Partnership funded events, which are drug and alcohol free events, will be promoted and run by young people in 2004. Over the next three years, the Indent Strategy will focus on rural and remote areas, which will impact on the concerns of Aboriginal young people. It will be independently evaluated. (6.12)

The Attorney General’s Department will provide guidance to local councils and other community groups about the importance of linking local crime prevention plans to liquor accords with clear objectives around minimising alcohol related crime problems in the community. (6.13)

Crisis housing requirements will be addressed through new innovative approaches such as:

§ Inner City Homelessness Action Team Support and Outreach Service

§ establishment of the Bennelong Housing Company to assist low income people with housing and support needs through partnerships with support providers

§ investigation of the Oxford Houses Trust model by the Office of Community Housing for possible future inclusion as part of the Community Housing Assistance Program

§ a new homelessness peak body – Homelessness NSW/ACT launched to give homeless men and women extra support. (6.18)

Government agencies in the Far West of New South Wales will work together to develop a shared Agenda for the Delivery of Integrated Alcohol Abuse Service to increase the integration of drug and alcohol services with other human services in the Far West in order to more comprehensively tackle the problems and consequences of alcohol abuse in that region. (6.23)

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Section 7: Workforce Capacity

The Government has established a Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Council to improve the skill and capacity of specialist and other frontline workers and organisations dealing with people affected by drugs and alcohol. (7.2)

A NSW Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Agenda will be prepared to assist in developing workforce development initiatives aligned to policy priorities, client profiles and emerging trends in treatment and prevention. (7.3)

By the end of 2006, Government agencies delivering drug and alcohol related services and programs will develop workforce development plans that build on existing drug and alcohol training and workforce development. (7.4)

The Government will establish a Local Government Drug Education program with the Local Government and Shires Associations to develop and deliver a drug education package for local councils. (7.14, 7.15)

The Government will trial a partnership program with the non-government sector in one Area Health Service involving short term assignments and work exchanges for drug and alcohol workers. A best practice approach to these types of exchanges will be developed. (7.16)

The new Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Council will develop recommendations for a workforce development trust fund or other suitable model to sponsor innovative education and workforce development initiatives in the higher education sector and workplaces. (7.19)

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Section 8: Alcohol Related Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour

A high level Taskforce will develop legislative proposals on alcohol related offences, penalties and law enforcement including intoxication offences, offences concerning secondary sales, minors, Alcohol Free Zones, penalty notices and police powers. (8.1)

The Government will introduce legislation to enable people aged 16 years and over to use new photo ID cards in situations where a driver’s licence is accepted as identification. This will also help to reduce the use of false identification documents by minors trying to access alcohol. (8.8)

NSW Police will roll out the Supply Means Supply Program to ten local area commands to tackle underage drinking through education for young people, adults and the liquor industry. (8.15)

New education resources to teach students about the risks of alcohol consumption will be available in schools during 2004. (8.12)

The Department of Local Government will undertake an evaluation of Alcohol Free Zone provisions of the Local Government Act 1914. (8.17)

The Office of Children and Young People will conduct a survey of young people’s knowledge of Alcohol Free Zone laws to assist the above evaluation. (8.17)

Initiatives to improve police relations with young people will be expanded through Police and Community Youth Clubs, the Innovative Models for Police and Community Training Program (IMPACT), the Indent Strategy, the Youth In Sport program and through the development of a new Police Youth Policy Statement for 2006-2010. (8.21)

Voluntary Alcohol Management Plans for licensed premises will be promoted through the Department of Gaming and Racing and the Liquor Industry Consultative Council. (8.23.1)

The Government will develop legislative proposals to require mandatory liquor accords in all Police local area commands. Membership will not be mandatory. Accords will be able to seek interventions by the Liquor Administration Board. (8.24)

The Department of Gaming and Racing will establish a centralised Liquor Accord Unit to promote liquor accords, assist local communities in rolling out accords, develop a best practice model and run a new Liquor Accord Taskforce. (8.26)

Proposals will be developed to amend the Liquor Act 1982 to deal with issues relating to trading hours including consideration of a social impact assessment process for late trading venues. (8.34)

Consideration will be given to legislation requiring late trading venues, which have been associated with significant alcohol related crime or repeated offences, to maintain an incident register, have CCTV on premises and to employ security personnel. (8.37-8.39)

A discussion paper will be prepared on the supply and control of alcohol in Aboriginal communities in consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders, which will address licensing options for “dry” or “restricted” communities. (8.41)

The Government will develop proposals for rural substance abuse prevention trials. (8.42)

A new Police Working Group chaired by an Assistant Commissioner will consider Policing and Prevention of Substance Abuse in Aboriginal Communities to implement the Summit priority recommendations. (8.44)

NSW Police’s Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer program will be evaluated and enhanced to improve recruitment and training of Aboriginal Police and Aboriginal Community Liaison officers. (8.46-8.47)

The Government will investigate new outreach service models for women and children in rural communities who are experiencing domestic violence. (8.63)

The Ministry for Police will convene a new Alcohol Related Crime Intelligence Working Party to improve intelligence based law enforcement, integrate Police and Gaming and Racing law enforcement data and tackle repeat offenders. (8.69-8.75, 9.5, 10.13)

NSW Police’s Linking Project will be rolled out across New South Wales to target licensed premises that have irresponsible drinking practices. (8.73)

There will be at least one dedicated Police Licensing officer in each Police local area command by early 2005. (8.76)

Consideration will be given to enable the Corrections Health Services at key police cells to also provide medical assessments and support for intoxicated persons when detained in these police cells. (Section 8 Part J)

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Section 9: Alcohol and the Justice System

A new Rural Alcohol Diversion Pilot Program will be established at Bathurst and Orange in 2004 to divert adult offenders with alcohol problems to treatment. (9.14)

The Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) program for offenders with illicit drug programs will be opened at Broken Hill and expanded to cover adult offenders with alcohol problems. (9.14)

The Government will develop a Juvenile Justice Detention Release and Treatment scheme to help released young offenders rebuild their lives by linking them to critical support services in the community. (9.17)

The Government will develop proposals for an Intensive Court Supervision pilot program at Brewarrina and Bourke for high risk young offenders. (9.20)

The Sober Driver Program will be independently evaluated with findings to be reported to the Government in 2006. (9.21)

The Aboriginal Circle Sentencing program will be expanded to a further five Aboriginal communities. (9.25)

The Government will work with the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council to develop proposals for a youth Circle Sentencing scheme. (9.25)

Aboriginal Community Justice Groups will expand to nine more Aboriginal communities including Dubbo, Bourke, Kempsey and Wollongong. (9.27)

The Apprehended Violence Legal Issues Committee is developing proposals to establish new powers for courts to order domestic violence offenders to treatment. (9.30)

The Violence Against Women Specialist Unit is developing proposals to trial a Domestic Violence Intervention Court Model to improve the way domestic violence cases are dealt with. (9.34, 8.66)

A reference to review the Inebriates Act 1912 has been given to the Legislative Council Standing Committee on Social Issues. The Government will carefully consider the Committee’s report and recommendations when received. (9.35)

New regulations under the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Criminal Justice Interventions) Act 2002 are being developed to enable programs such as the Traffic Offender Program (TOPS) to be formally declared as ‘Intervention Programs’ for referral by the Courts. (9.41)

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Section 10: Responsible Supply and Consumption

The Government has introduced the National Competition Policy (Liquor Amendments) Commonwealth Financial Penalties Bill 2004 to abolish the needs test for hotels and liquor stores and replace it with a comprehensive social impact assessment test for these types of liquor outlets.

The Bill will also ban the sale of alcohol through petrol stations, and expands the current restrictions on the sale of alcohol at convenience stores by broadening their definition to include corner shops, mixed businesses, and milkbars while retaining special exemptions for small towns and remote areas.

Consideration will be given to further legislation which would apply the social impact assessment test to other types of liquor licences. The operation of the social impact assessment process will also be evaluated during 2005/2006.

It is planned to bring forward proposals for further amendments to the Liquor Act 1982 and the Registered Clubs Act 1976 resulting from other recommended action in the National Competition Policy Review of these Acts. These amendments are likely to reduce costs and complexity for licence applicants, simplify liquor laws, require licence applicants to obtain planning approval, introduce reviews for late night/early morning trading, and strengthen the responsible service and harm minimisation provisions.

To better address alcohol supply in Indigenous communities, the Department of Gaming and Racing will:

§ establish a new Aboriginal Liaison Officer position to act as a point of contact between Aboriginal communities and the liquor licensing system (10.9)

§ prepare a discussion paper on the supply and control of alcohol in Aboriginal communities (8.41)

§ promote Aboriginal Community Liquor Accords (1.12)

§ promote Aboriginal community consultation in the development and operation of liquor accords generally. (10.6)

To provide better licensing information and community assistance, the Department of Gaming and Racing will develop an interactive website, and provide for a new easy to use on-line complaints form so that complaints about licensing issues can be made over the internet. (10.10)

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Aboriginal People

An Aboriginal Youth Leadership project will promote the participation of Aboriginal young people within the community, healthy lifestyles and positive role models as a means of building the protection, resilience and capacity of young Aboriginal leaders. (1.11)

An Aboriginal Youth Forum will be held in 2004, including segments on alcohol, drugs and safety, and a focus on the nature of Aboriginal youth peer support mechanisms. (1.11)

The Government will trial three new intensive local Aboriginal community action plans. The trial will involve selected Aboriginal communities developing resources and action plans with the aim of building the capacity and leadership skills of the communities and increasing their capacity to tackle alcohol related problems. (1.12)

Aboriginal Community Liquor Accords will be trialled in areas of high need, facilitated by the Department of Gaming and Racing. An Aboriginal specific ‘No More. It’s Our Law’ responsible drinking campaign based on the successful ‘No More. It’s the Law’ campaign will also be trialled in a number of Aboriginal communities. (1.12)

Prevention strategies in Aboriginal communities will be promoted through a follow up to the pre Summit Aboriginal Talking About Grog forum to be held during 2004 and convened by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. (2.16)

Improved training for health workers who provide services to Aboriginal communities will be promoted through partnerships with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council in developing new Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Traineeships, Training Agreements, accredited drug and alcohol courses for Aboriginal workers, and new culturally appropriate training resources. NSW Health will continue to support the recently established Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Network of about 30 Aboriginal Health workers. (3.15-3.17)

Area Health Service Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services Plans will be linked to existing Area Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services Plans. NSW Health will develop specific Guidelines for Drug and Alcohol Detoxification in Aboriginal Communities, and Guidelines for Managing Aboriginal Clients in Residential Rehabilitation. (3.18)

A trial to address the problems of Indigenous people with combined health and mental disorders will be considered on receipt of the Report of the Advisory Committee on Best Practice Service Delivery for People with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, also known as dual diagnosis. (3.13)

An adolescent and family counselling project for Aboriginal families with adolescent children, aged 10-17 years, who are using drugs and alcohol, will be undertaken by the Department of Community Services during 2004 and 2005. (6.4, 6.6)

New Intensive Family Preservation Services will be established in Bourke and Wollongong to help and support Aboriginal families in times of crisis and where child protection concerns exist. (6.7)

The Government will work with the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council to develop proposals for a youth Circle Sentencing scheme. (8.16)

The Aboriginal Circle Sentencing program will be expanded to five further Aboriginal communities. (9.25)

Aboriginal Community Justice Groups will expand to nine more Aboriginal communities including Dubbo, Bourke, Kempsey and Wollongong. (9.27)

To better address alcohol supply in Indigenous communities, the Department of Gaming and Racing will establish a new Aboriginal Liaison Officer to act as a point of contact between Aboriginal communities and the liquor licensing system. (10.9)

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Young People

The Department of Education and Training will develop a new primary school “big book kit” on alcohol issues, including posters, teaching and learning activities, and awareness raising materials for parents, to support teachers who deliver drug education to primary school children. (1.11)

The high school drink driving program is being revised to address the new zero blood alcohol limits for L and P Plate drivers. (5.9)

A trial to address the problems of young people with combined health and mental disorders will be considered on receipt of the Report of the Advisory Committee on Best Practice Service Delivery for People with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, also known as dual diagnosis. (3.13)

A NSW Health Youth Alcohol Action Plan 2005-2009 will be developed over the next year. (3.21, 3.22)

The Roads and Traffic Authority will introduce new resources for high schools which will discuss alcohol and provide information on the effects of alcohol in road accidents. (5.2)

The RTA will develop a State-wide, whole of government drink driving education and rehabilitation program for young, high range offenders during 2004/2005. The program will target those drivers at the greatest risk for involvement in alcohol related injury and trauma on New South Wales roads. (5.13)

An adolescent and family counselling project for families with adolescent children, aged 10-17 years, who are using drug and alcohol, will be undertaken by the Department of Community Services during 2004 and 2005 in two locations. (6.4, 6.6)

New education resources to teach students about the risks of alcohol consumption will be available in schools during 2004. (8.12)

NSW Police will roll out the Supply Means Supply Program to ten local area commands to tackle underage drinking through education for young people, adults and the liquor industry. (8.15)

The Office of Children and Young People will conduct a survey of young people’s knowledge of Alcohol Free Zone laws to assist the Department of Local Government’s evaluation of Alcohol Free Zone provisions of the Local Government Act 1914. (8.17)

Initiatives to improve police relations with young people will be expanded through Police and Community Youth Clubs, the Innovative Models for Police and Community Training Program (IMPACT), the Indent Strategy, the Youth In Sport program and development of a new Police Youth Policy Statement for 2006-2010. (8.21)

The Government will develop proposals for an Intensive Court Supervision pilot program at Brewarrina and Bourke for high risk young offenders. (9.20)

The Government will work with the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council to develop proposals for a youth Circle Sentencing scheme. (8.16, 9.25)

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Women

An antenatal screening tool that will include screening for alcohol and drug use is also being developed by NSW Health for use in public maternity hospitals at the 20 week antenatal visit. (6.8)

Crisis housing requirements will be addressed through new innovative approaches such as:

§ Inner City Homelessness Action Team Support and Outreach Service

§ establishment of the Bennelong Housing Company to assist low income people with housing and support needs through partnerships with support providers

§ investigation of the Oxford Houses Trust model by the Office of Community Housing for possible future inclusion as part of the Community Housing Assistance Program

§ a new homelessness peak body – Homelessness NSW/ACT launched to give homeless men and women extra support. (6.18)

The Government will investigate new outreach service models for women and children in rural communities who are experiencing domestic violence. (8.63)

The Violence Against Women Specialist Unit is developing proposals to trial a Domestic Violence Intervention Model to improve the way in which domestic violence cases are handled. (8.66, 9.34)

The Apprehended Violence Legal Issues Committee is developing proposals to establish new powers for courts to order domestic violence offenders to treatment. (9.30)

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Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities

In 2005, the Department of Education and Training will review its pamphlets for parents of primary and secondary students that provide information about alcohol and drug education and are translated into 22 community languages. (1.10)

The Government will consult with and provide alcohol abuse prevention information to culturally diverse communities through the Community Relations Commission’s Regional Advisory Councils and Symposiums. (2.21)

The NSW Department of Community Services has developed a project under the Commonwealth/NSW National Illicit Drug Strategy to assist Pacific Islander community organisations to provide support for families who are experiencing drug and alcohol problems. (7.11)

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Rural

Four regional youth forums, which will include segments on alcohol, drugs and safety, will be run by young people during 2004. The Office of Children and Young People will auspice the forums with local councils. (1.11)

The Schools as Community Centres Program will be expanded from 35 to 42 centres to improve support for families with children under the age of eight years in disadvantaged communities. New centres outside the Sydney metropolitan area will be established at Fennell Bay, Goulburn and Queanbeyan during 2004. (2.30)

A Country Road Safety Summit will be held in May 2004 at Port Macquarie. It will focus on practical ways to reduce trauma on country roads. (5.5)

A series of professional workshops will be held for teachers in the Western New South Wales, New England and North Coast regions during 2004 to support the implementation of the Healing Time Stage 4 resource for Years 7-8. Healing Time provides culturally appropriate drug education to engage primary and secondary students in government schools, particularly Aboriginal students. (6.4, 6.6)

New Intensive Family Preservation Services will be established in Bourke and Wollongong to help and support Aboriginal families in times of crisis and where child protection concerns exist. (6.7)

Approximately 75 Indent Partnership funded events, which are drug and alcohol free events, will be promoted and run by young people in 2004. Over the next three years, the Indent Strategy will focus on rural and remote areas, which will impact on the concerns of Aboriginal young people. It will be independently evaluated. (6.12)

The Government will develop proposals for rural substance abuse prevention trials. (8.42)

The Government will investigate new outreach service models for women and children in rural communities who are experiencing domestic violence. (8.63)

The Violence Against Women Specialist Unit is developing proposals to trial a Domestic Violence Intervention Model to improve the way domestic violence cases are dealt with. (8.66, 9.34)

A new Rural Alcohol Diversion Pilot Program will be established at Bathurst and Orange in 2004 to divert adult offenders with alcohol problems to treatment. (9.14)

The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Program for offenders with illicit drug programs will be opened at Broken Hill and expanded to cover adult offenders with alcohol problems. (9.14)

The Government will develop proposals for an Intensive Court Supervision pilot program at Brewarrina and Bourke for high risk young offenders. (9.20)

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Non-Government Organisations

Improved information and evidence based approaches to alcohol abuse will be promoted through key reporting criteria for Government agencies and the non-government sector. These criteria will be developed so that Government programs and Government grants to non-government organisations are systematically assessed and evaluated to ensure that the investment in alcohol harm reduction programs is evidence based and effective. (2.2)

A new Committee on Alcohol Disease Prevention will be convened by the Deputy Chief Health Officer and involve medical and population health experts, non-government organisations, and the liquor industry in examining options for disease prevention. (3.1)

Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services will be enhanced by new directions for professional education and training for health workers to encourage early identification and brief interventions associated with alcohol. This will be promoted through a new NSW Health Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Plan. Non-government organisations will also be assisted by development of a Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Toolkit for non-government organisation managers. (3.3)

The Government will fund a new homelessness peak body, Homelessness NSW/ACT, launched in March 2004, through its Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP). Through this new peak body, the Government will work together with non-government organisations to develop new ideas and new approaches to the way it addresses homelessness, particularly for single men and women. (6.18)

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Partnership Initiatives with the Liquor Industry

The Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code is being amended by the liquor industry to:

§ encourage advertisements for alcohol which promote drinking that are consistent with the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NH&MRC) Australian Alcohol Guidelines

§ include reference to the NH&MRC’s guidelines in the code. (1.7, 1.8)

Supply side prevention initiatives will be promoted through the Liquor Industry Consultative Council. The Council will be asked to consider:

§ a review of the industry’s Code of Practice for Responsible Promotion of Liquor Products to ensure it deals with issues raised at the Summit (2.8)

§ an industry funded partnership of alcohol producers and retailers to promote harm minimisation messages in ways similar to the examples that have been established overseas (2.10)

§ a new code of practice relating to the sponsorship of under-18 sports and events by the liquor and hospitality industries. (2.25)

A new Committee on Alcohol Disease Prevention will be convened by the Deputy Chief Health Officer including medical and population health experts, non-government organisations, and the liquor industry to examine options for disease prevention. (3.1)

Voluntary Alcohol Management Plans for licensed premises will be promoted through the Department of Gaming and Racing and the Liquor Industry Consultative Council. (8.23.1)

The Department of Gaming and Racing will establish a centralised Liquor Accord Unit to promote liquor accords, assist local communities in rolling out Accords, develop a best practice model and run a new Liquor Accord Taskforce. (8.26)

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Changing the Culture of Alcohol Use in New South Wales (Key Initiatives)

Outcomes of the NSW Summit on Alcohol Abuse 2003