Our role
AADC operates at the nexus between policy, research and practice. We connect stakeholders responsible for the design and oversight of the alcohol and other drugs health service system at the federal level, the alcohol and other drugs sector, and the professionals working within it who are involved in its implementation through delivery, and the people and families who are reliant on the system for help and support.
We take a systems view to develop and inform strategies for:
- building sector capacity and capability
- reducing red-tape and regulatory complexity, and
- connecting evidence to outcomes.
Our work is aligned with the three pillars of the National Drug Strategy 2017-2026.
Our constitution governs the operation of the AADC.
How we work
Representation and engagement
Our work is embedded in the experiences and knowledge of the alcohol and other drugs sector. We actively partner with our members and the groups they represent, along with other critical stakeholders across the sector, to ensure this knowledge informs the design and implementation of the specialist alcohol and other drugs service system at the federal level.
Empirically-informed
AADC views the use of alcohol and other drugs, the harms that can be associated with that use, and strategies for preventing and minimising those harms, through the lens of empirical evidence. Our positions are informed by the practice experience of our members, the lived experience of the people, families and communities they support, and quality research undertaken within Australia and internationally.
Open and accountable
As an expert in the needs, priorities and experience of the alcohol and other drugs sector and the communities it serves, AADC provides open and impartial advice to anyone who shares our commitment to achieving positive outcomes for people who use alcohol and other drugs, their families and the wider Australian community.
Services and projects
Submissions and reports
In consultation with our members, AADC develops evidence-based submissions in response to federal consultations and other reports that promote the experiences and knowledge of the alcohol and other drugs sector in the federal sphere.
Policy development
AADC develops proactive policy positions and statements in areas of priority interest for the alcohol and other drugs sector, and publishes these through our Issues Papers series for use by the sector and other stakeholders.
Sector representation
AADC represents the experiences and knowledge of the alcohol and other drugs sector to federal stakeholders and decision-makers, to improve the design and implementation of the many systems and practices that have direct effect on people who use alcohol and other drugs and the sector that supports them.
Information and communication
AADC facilitates the flow of information across and between the alcohol and other drugs sector and the federal government to support enhanced understanding and knowledge relating to the delivery of programs and services for people who use alcohol and other drugs.
Connection and collaboration
AADC works to build national connections, partnerships and collaboration across the many stakeholders with an interest in the delivery of specialist alcohol and other drug services and the systems within which they operate.
AADC delivers secretariat services to the State and Territory AOD Peaks Network, which supports information sharing and collaboration across the jurisdictional peak bodies.
