About the Victorian Drug & Alcohol Prevention Council

Page content: Overview | Terms of reference | Membership | Secretariat

Overview

The Victorian Drug and Alcohol Prevention Council (VDAPC) was established in December 2007 to provide expert advice to government on key areas of alcohol and drug prevention. It succeeds the Premier’s Drug Prevention Council (PDPC), which concluded its term in March 2007.

The VDAPC is a public advisory body under the Public Administration Act 2004. The Council’s term is from December 2007 to June 2010.

The VDAPC was publicly announced by the Minister for Mental Health through a media release on 16 December 2007.

The Council will play a key long term role in providing expert advice to government about preventing alcohol and drug abuse, commission research on prevention issues, help government to improve its prevention efforts and allow for a greater focus on high-level policy advice and strategic partnerships. It will have a whole of government scope, and overall responsibility for the Council will rest with the Minister for Mental Health, as coordinating Minister for alcohol and drugs.

Terms of reference

1. Provide advice on emerging trends in drug and alcohol use;
2. Provide advice on effective, evidence based prevention programs, drawing on research and best practice;
3. Advise government on where additional primary prevention efforts should be directed;
4. Provide advice on the development of policy, regulation and legislation as appropriate;
5. Inform and educate communities about risk and protective factors associated with drug and alcohol use; and
6. Develop partnerships with community organisations to develop effective drug and alcohol prevention responses.

Membership

* 2 Vacancies for Council membership are currently being filled.

Secretariat

The VDAPC Secretariat provides policy, planning and administrative support to the VDAPC and is responsible for the implementation of strategic direction and initiatives.

The Secretariat has responsibility for preparing all papers for Council discussion, facilitating input from other relevant parts of government, both internal and external to the Department of Human Services (DHS), commissioning and monitoring research, establishing and maintaining external stakeholder relationships, and coordinating meetings and sub-groups.

The Secretariat comprises four staff who are employees of DHS and are located with the Policy, Planning & Strategy Branch, which is in the Mental Health and Drugs Division. The Secretariat is physically located on the 17th floor, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, and can be contacted by telephone: 9096 0378 and fax: 9096 9171.

Current Secretariat staff:

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