Alcohol and drug services call for funding review, cannabis changes ahead of Territory election

THE peak body for substance abuse treatment agencies in the NT has called for a review of funding to the ‘struggling’ sector and better access to medicinal cannabis for Territorians, as part of its 2020 election wishlist.

As part of its election wishlist, AADANT says that medical cannabis ‘is increasingly recognised as a legitimate and viable medicine’, recommending Territorians should not be jailed for seeking treatment for their health conditions.

THE peak body for substance abuse treatment agencies in the NT has called for a review of funding to the “struggling” sector and better access to medicinal cannabis for Territorians, as part of its 2020 election wishlist.

The Association of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies NT (AADANT) has released its “election asks” ahead of the August 22 Territory election in a bid to drive down the $1.38 billion in social and economic damage alcohol misuse costs the NT each year.

“The current configuration of funding distribution for alcohol and drug management across the NT is in need of review and reallocation with AOD organisations struggling to find sufficient funding to meet appropriate treatment responses and to provide services that address demand reduction,” the AADANT wishlist reads.

“Organisations working in this sector are also facing the risk of funding reductions through cessation of funding streams and a lack of incremental funding increases in line with real term cost increases.”

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AADANT also points out that medical cannabis “is increasingly recognised as a legitimate and viable medicine”, recommending Territorians should not be jailed for seeking treatment for their health conditions.

“Despite continuously increasing client demand for access to medical cannabis, the NT has yet to see a single script fulfilled,” the wishlist reads.

“Lack of legal pathways to accessing this medicine is resulting in the continued incarceration of individuals who are resorting to illegal pathways for access.

“All Territorians, including those living in regional and remote settings, should be provided with the most appropriate, effective, and preferred medications to suit their conditions.

“There is a significant social injustice in failing to provide this access while continuing to incarcerate individuals who have no other choice but to subvert the law to obtain medication.”

AADANT calls for continued funding of the Riley Review’s alcohol reforms and the implementation of all of its outstanding reform measures.

“Positive outcomes shown in the early evaluations demonstrate we are on the right track with these changes and through strong, evidence-based policy, we can impact on the endemic alcohol issues causing harm across the Territory,” the wishlist reads.

“This work must continue and evolve to make generational change in the Territory’s relationship with alcohol.”

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Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said a Country Liberal Party government would work to ensure Territorians had access to medicinal cannabis where appropriate.

“A CLP government is committed to expanding on successful alcohol and other drug policies, and endorses effective measures such as point of entry measures and sentencing alternatives,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

“We will work with the Commonwealth to ensure that Territorians have equitable access to approved pharmaceutical products for therapeutic use, including those containing cannabis.”

The Labor Government and Territory Alliance did not provide a response by deadline yesterday.