A new national strategy aimed at minimising the harm from alcohol will help shape a new Tasmanian Drug Strategy and an updated Alcohol Action Framework.
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Released this week, the National Alcohol Strategy outlines potential policies for the Federal and state governments to adopt in order to prevent and minimise alcohol-related harms.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Jeremy Rockliff said, once developed, the new Alcohol Action Framework would guide activities and partnerships between government agencies, councils, community sector organisations, and liquor and hospitality industries.
"Reducing alcohol harm is important for individuals, families, communities and the Tasmanian health system," Mr Rockliff said.
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Mr Rockliff said all states and territories helped develop the national strategy, with Tasmania working on the National Drug Strategy Committee and the Ministerial Drug and Alcohol Forum.
"Tasmania has also helped develop the Reform Agenda for Alcohol and Drug Services," Mr Rockliff said.
"To be released early next year, the reform agenda will help ensure all Tasmanians affected by alcohol, tobacco and other drug use have timely access to a seamless and effective service."
Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania chief executive Alison Lai welcomed the strategy and said in Tasmania there was particular interest in policy options which outline how people can get the help they need.
"We are wanting to increase the availability of the treatment services that have been proven to help people recover while also making sure that these are placed in the right places around the state. Specifically services in local communities and aftercare programs are areas of priority for us here in Tasmania," Ms Lai said.
"We know there are many more people out there that require treatment but have problems accessing or completing it.
"Increased investment into services in Tasmania is something that we'll continue to advocate for, and this is supported through a number of the policy options in the strategy."
Ms Lai said, because the National Alcohol Strategy was largely a descriptive high-level document, it would be primarily up to the state and territory governments to determine what policy options they might consider.
"We look forward to working with the Tasmanian Government on getting our local strategies on track to help prevent and reduce the harm of alcohol across the Tasmanian community," she said.