Published Thursday, 05 July, 2007 at 11:07 AM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
New community network to boost Queensland drug efforts
The Queensland Government is investing $1.1 million to establish a peak body to coordinate Queensland’s non-government alcohol and drug agencies, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said.
Mr Robertson launched the Queensland Network of Drug and Alcohol Agencies (QNADA) today.
“Alcohol and other drug abuse affects thousands of Queenslanders every day,” he said.
“That’s why we are providing $203,000 to set up the network and $332,000 a year over three years to support their ongoing work.
“QNADA will provide strengthened advocacy for more government resources, better education and information and a highly-skilled workforce able to respond to emerging needs.
“We are investing in our non-government organisations because they are often the ones best placed to respond to drug and alcohol issues in the community.”
Mr Robertson said QNADA was made up of at least 30 non-government agencies throughout the state including Drug Arm, The Salvation Army, Gold Coast Drug Council, Addiction Help Agency Cairns, We Help Ourselves and Alcohol & Drug Foundation of Queensland.
“QNADA is now the peak body coordinating the state’s non-governmental alcohol and drug groups,” he said.
“Cooperation between government and non-government agencies is vital if we are serious about combating alcohol and other substance abuse.”
Mr Robertson said the network will also help establish an integrated IT system linked to the National Minimum Data Set.
“This will give us a clearer picture of the drug-related conditions being treated by non-government organisations,” he said.
“By sharing information, members of the Queensland Network of Drug and Alcohol Agencies can support and learn from each other, whether focused on awareness, prevention, treatment or rehabilitation.”
5 July, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680
Mr Robertson launched the Queensland Network of Drug and Alcohol Agencies (QNADA) today.
“Alcohol and other drug abuse affects thousands of Queenslanders every day,” he said.
“That’s why we are providing $203,000 to set up the network and $332,000 a year over three years to support their ongoing work.
“QNADA will provide strengthened advocacy for more government resources, better education and information and a highly-skilled workforce able to respond to emerging needs.
“We are investing in our non-government organisations because they are often the ones best placed to respond to drug and alcohol issues in the community.”
Mr Robertson said QNADA was made up of at least 30 non-government agencies throughout the state including Drug Arm, The Salvation Army, Gold Coast Drug Council, Addiction Help Agency Cairns, We Help Ourselves and Alcohol & Drug Foundation of Queensland.
“QNADA is now the peak body coordinating the state’s non-governmental alcohol and drug groups,” he said.
“Cooperation between government and non-government agencies is vital if we are serious about combating alcohol and other substance abuse.”
Mr Robertson said the network will also help establish an integrated IT system linked to the National Minimum Data Set.
“This will give us a clearer picture of the drug-related conditions being treated by non-government organisations,” he said.
“By sharing information, members of the Queensland Network of Drug and Alcohol Agencies can support and learn from each other, whether focused on awareness, prevention, treatment or rehabilitation.”
5 July, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680