Harm Reduction Australia launched

The Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council (ATDC) is pleased to support Australia’s first national harm reduction organisation.

ATDC CEO Jann Smith said Australia can be a country where people who use drugs are treated with respect, dignity and empathy.

“Good drug policy will help us to achieve this. We will only have good policy however, if we share and act upon our knowledge, to promote greater understanding of harm reduction as an essential element of our health,” she said.

“I am an advocate for this organisation and together with the ATDC, hope to make the greater community aware of the existence of this new organisation and spread the word in a positive and enlightened manner.

“The high calibre of people involved in Harm Reduction Australia will lead to better education of the public, policy makers and media about what harm reduction is, what can be achieved by harm reduction and how it helps address a worldwide issue within the bounds of our own country.

Ms Smith said her involvement will be to actively promote the organisation and its activities which will include emphasising the importance of providing treatment and harm reduction interventions for people who have problems associated with drug use.

“I am looking forward to the progress that Harm Reduction Australia will make nationwide in regards to education about harm reduction and the flow on affects that will lead to a change in how Australia addresses our drug use issues.
ATDC Communications Officer Carolyn Docking