First Nations‑specific alcohol and other drugs treatment services
One of our priorities is tackling harmful alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use which can have lasting effects on individuals, families and communities. This can affect people in a variety of ways, including adverse health and wellbeing, and community safety.
Through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) the NIAA supports First Nations people to tackle these issues by funding culturally safe, holistic, trauma informed AOD treatment and support services across Australia.
These services include early intervention and prevention activities, residential rehabilitation, day-based and outreach services, AOD counselling, advocacy and referral, case management, transitional aftercare and education.
In addition, under the Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, the NIAA’s Strengthening First Nations AOD Treatment Services initiative will support expanded First Nations AOD treatment services, including improvements to infrastructure and employment and training opportunities for First Nations AOD workers.
A national consultation process led by a First Nations-owned organisation is underway to inform direction of the investment and includes multi-stakeholder interests in the First Nations AOD sector as well as the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care and state and territory governments. Consultations are expected to conclude by June 2023.
First Nations AOD policy
The NIAA is committed to reducing the impacts of drug and alcohol-related harm for individuals, families and communities and improving life outcomes for First Nations people across Australia.
This includes continuing to ensure our work aligns with the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
To do this we work with our regional offices and a range of Government and non-government stakeholders to contribute to and develop AOD policy with the aim of reducing harmful alcohol and other drugs use.
To ensure culturally appropriate AOD care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders clients in mainstream treatment services, we work with the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care on broader AOD treatment policy and have responsibility for input and responses to Government and stakeholder reviews.
We also contribute to building the evidence base around Indigenous AOD treatment through investment in research and evaluation. An example of this work can be found in the 2018 report
