Launch of Tasmanian Drug Strategy 2024-2029

The Tasmanian Government is continuing its commitment to building safe, healthy, and resilient communities by launching the Tasmanian Drug Strategy 2024–2029.

The new Strategy takes a health-focused, strengths-based approach to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs use. It provides a framework that will encourage collaborative action and activities across agencies, organisations, and the community.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said the vision of the Tasmanian Drug Strategy is for a Tasmania that is inclusive and safe for all people, without stigma and discrimination.

“We recognise that some people are at greater risk of harm from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs use and may need targeted supports to improve or maintain their health and wellbeing, and we want to ensure Tasmanians who need help, can get it,” Minister Barnett said. 

“The Tasmanian Drug Strategy is consistent with the harm minimisation approach of the National Drug Strategy 2017-2026 and will support actions under the three pillars of supply, demand, and harm reduction. 

“We acknowledge the important contribution of people with lived experience of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs use in the development of the Strategy.

“Their input has informed the actions we will take to ensure Tasmanians can access appropriate, timely, effective, and quality services and supports.

“Key focus areas are prevention, intervention and treatment, and the evidence base in relation to alcohol, tobacco, vaping/e-cigarettes, pharmaceutical drugs, and illicit drugs.”

CEO of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council, Dr Jackie Hallam, said this is an important document that can provide leadership and strategy about how to address harms across Tasmania.

“As we move forward, there are abundant opportunities in the Tasmanian Drug Strategy to draw on the latest evidence and listen to those who are directly affected to fund the services that help Tasmanians who need support for alcohol or drug use.”  

Implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Tasmanian Drug Strategy will be undertaken by the Tasmanian Drug Strategy Advisory Group through the Tasmanian Government’s Interagency Drug Policy Committee, which has representation across Government and the community sector through the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council Tasmania.

Implementation plans will accompany the Strategy and outline specific activities for action over the next five years. The first implementation plan will be launched in the second half of this year. 

The Tasmanian Drug Strategy 2024-2029 can be viewed here.

If you, or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs use, seek help and support from your family, friends, colleagues, or GP, or by contacting:
1.    The National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline (1800 250 015)
2.    The Tasmanian Alcohol and Drug Service (1300 139 641)