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Learn more about our work and cross-sectoral action << Click here >> |
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Pill testing in the spotlight
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Hi everyone
Pill testing continues to be an issue of public discussion, particularly after the tragic deaths of two people at Queensland’s Rabbits Eat Lettuce Festival in April. This follows the drug-related deaths of five young people at music festivals in NSW between September and January. The NSW Coroner is conducting an inquest into the music festival fatalities in that state.
Pill testing can reduce drug-related harms and deaths along with other demand, supply and harm reduction strategies.
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In April I visited the second pill testing trial at Canberra’s Groovin’ the Moo festival. Staff at the trial emphasised the greatest benefit of pill testing lies in bringing young people into face-to-face contact with health professionals to discuss the risks and harms of drug use.
This is a profoundly important intervention that connects with people who intend to use drugs, and provides them with harm-reduction information. A good overview of how pill testing works can be found here. Independent evaluation of the Canberra pill testing trial is expected later this year.
Dutch drug-testing model
The Netherlands’ Drugs Information and Monitoring System has published an overview of its monitoring program (established in 1992), stating that drug checking (or pill testing) is an intervention that “clearly reduces the risk of drug-related harm”.
It emphasises that drug checking services are a “formal, tightly regulated, health-driven process” –that does not promote drug use, and is a useful tool for scientific research, public health and policy making.
Australian and New Zealand Addiction Conference
The Commission convened a panel discussion on “Pill testing: harm reduction initiative or green light to drug use?” at the Addictions Conference at the Gold Coast in May. The panel presented a range of viewpoints covering policing, families and harm reduction. Audience questions helped expand the debate on pill testing.
The latest data from the 2019 Global Drug Survey, the largest drug survey in the world, shows an increasing rate of people buying illicit substances online.
The survey found Australia had the highest use of prescription opioids in the past year, followed by the USA and England. This is cause for concern.
The Shifting minds strategic plan includes a priority action to renew the Queensland Government’s approach to problematic Alcohol and Other Drug use including the identification of emerging issues and strategies to address preventable drug deaths.
Peer workforce
Promoting the peer workforce in the mental health and AOD space is a strategic priority under Shifting minds.
Great discussions are being held by both sectors on advancing and developing the peer workforce, including the recent BrookRED Dialogue 2019 Conference and the Common Threads Summit. See my BrookRED speech for more information.
The Primary Health Network’s Common Threads event brought together a number of speakers with AOD lived experiences and other key stakeholders to progress the conversation on the mechanisms required to embed an AOD peer support workforce in Queensland.
Reconciliation Week
The theme of Reconciliation Week 2019 (27 May-3 June) is grounded in truth, walk together with courage. It challenges all Australians to consider the truth of our past, however painful and however confronting, as an essential element of reconciliation. Only in understanding each other can we move forward with empathy and grow as individuals, as communities and as a nation.
Thank you
Finally, I offer my sincere thanks to retiring Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council members for their service. They includes Jeremy Audas, Janice Crosbie, Martina McGrath, Hamza Vayani, Samantha Wilde and Dr Mark Wenitong. Their ongoing interest in, and connection to the work of the Commission will continue to be valued and welcomed.
As always, take care of each other.
Ivan Frkovic
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner |
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NDIS educational resources for consumers with disability
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As the NDIS rolls out nationally, it’s important that consumers understand their rights when purchasing goods and services. To assist consumers, the ACCC has developed a series of guides, factsheets and videos.
These free materials can be downloaded from the ACCC website, with a small number of printed copies available for some publications.
All of the resources are designed to empower consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing products or services, and know their rights where something they have paid for is not delivered. There are also resources for providers to help them understand their responsibilities under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
To access the resources, visit www.accc.gov.au/disabilityresources |
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'Gutz n Glory' community wellbeing event
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Centacare’s FNQ Wellbeing Hubs team has hosted a ‘Gutz and Glory Colour Mud and Obstacle Challenge’ to promote wellbeing amongst young people. Held in Tolga in the Atherton Tablelands during Youth Week, the event was designed to bring local 12-25 year olds together for an action packed, fun afternoon.
The free event featured an obstacle course including climbing activities, mud, barrels, an ice bath and even jelly. Live music and food ensured the young participants enjoyed an afternoon of fun and positivity together.
Team leader of Centacare FNQ Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching, Steve Bobs, said the afternoon was a huge success.
“The young people on the day were really engaged with the event. The music was pumping, as were the legs, and the smiles were wide,” he said.
“It was a great day of collaboration with a real sense of community. Everyone involved expressed how much fun it was and we’re hoping for another one next year.” |
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Centacare Wellbeing Hubs FNQ's Gutz n Glory Colour Mud and Obstacle Challenge was successful in promoting wellbeing for young people in the community. |
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QMHC Taking the Pulse Survey - closes tomorrow
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The QMHC annual stakeholder survey Taking the pulse is now open. This important survey seeks to understand whether the Commission making a difference by tracking our stakeholder’s satisfaction with the progress of reform and our performance.
The survey is our main tool to understand the effectiveness, impact and improvements of our work over time. Your input will also assist in identifying priorities for the Commission and any areas for improvement that will support better outcomes for Queenslanders.
All responses are confidential and the survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
To provide your feedback, complete the survey before Friday 31 May 2019. |
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Several members of the Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council are retiring this month. Council members Jeremy Audas, Janice Crosbie, Martina McGrath, Hamza Vayani, Samantha Wilde and Dr Mark Wenitong were farewelled at a dinner where their valuable contributions over the last three years were acknowledged.
The independent Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council acts as a champion for people living with mental health issues, problems related to alcohol and other drug use, or impacted by suicide. The outgoing council members come from a wide range of backgrounds, and have been instrumental in speaking up for better outcomes for Queenslanders and making recommendations to the Commission.
Find out more about the Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council |
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Grants for Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) activities are now open. The week, which runs from 5-13 October this year, is a great opportunity for Queenslanders to share what mental health means to them and explore ways to reduce stigma. Individuals and organisations are encouraged to host an event and share the details through the QMHW website and social media.
To help individuals, community groups, businesses, schools and universities to get involved, grants of up to $2,500 are now available. Funded events or activities should:
- increase community awareness of, and engagement in, mental health and wellbeing
- promote education and understanding of mental illness
- foster inclusion of those living with mental illness, their families, carers, and support people.
Applications close 5.00 pm on Monday 8 July.
Read more about the grants and application process
To keep up to date with all the latest news, subscribe to QMHW e-news and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. |
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Sponsorships
Looking to extend the reach of your mental health, drug or alcohol awareness event, conference or project? Sponsorships up to $10 000 are available. Current round closes 31 May.
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Sector grants
The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) publishes a comprehensive list of sector grants.
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Events
Check out the latest major sector events, hosted by the Commission and partner organisations.
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