Support for the Voice to Parliament

The Uluru Statement from the Heart called for 'the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution' following extensive consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in 2017.

Now with the referendum to be held on 14 October 2023 to take action, and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Nations Peoples of our nation, APSAD supports enshrining an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Constitution.

The APSAD Council acknowledges that different views exist within the community and that respectful informed debate and freedom of expression are actively encouraged. However, the Council unequivocally supports the Voice to Parliament and encourages all APSAD members to educate themselves before casting their vote.

APSAD has joined more than 125 leading health and medical organisations that have signed on to an Open Letter to the Australian Public in support of the Voice to Parliament (September 2023)

The Uluru Statement from the Heart have put together an educational FAQ about the referendum.

Policy & Advocacy

SUBMISSIONS

APSAD provides comment on a range of issues related to AOD through written submission independently or in collaboration with other peak bodies. For more information on APSAD's policy and advocacy work, to contribute, or to get a copy of APSAD's submissions, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Please note this page is currently being edited and past submissions and information will be posted soon.

2023

APSAD has joined more than 125 leading health and medical organisations that have signed on to an Open Letter to the Australian Public in support of the Voice to Parliament (25 September 2023)

Just Check It! - Open letter to NSW Premier Chris Minns requesting the implementation of drug checking, 11 September 2023. Led by https://www.unharm.org/

2022

Follow up letter to the Premier requesting a response to the 2021 letter on the NSW Government's response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into crystal-methamphetamine and other amphetamine-type stimulants.

2021

Letter to the Premier requesting clarification on the NSW Government's response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into crystal-methamphetamine and other amphetamine-type stimulants.

2019 

APSAD Medical Special Interest Group meeting request letter to NSW Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research Mr Brad Hazzard (View letter). To raise AOD Sector issues in NSW in the context of AOD issues being thought through and commitments made as the state election approaches.

2018

APSAD provided a submission to the Review of Newcastle CBD Liquor Licence Conditions

APSAD commented on the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Real-time Prescription Monitoring) Regulations 2018

APSAD provided a submission to the Consultation Draft of the National Alcohol Strategy 2018-2026

APSAD provided a submission on the consultation of the next iteration of the National Tobacco Strategy