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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website contains the names and images of people who have passed
63
Establish National Task Force on alcohol
That having regard to the desirability of Aboriginal people deciding for themselves what courses of action should be pursued to advance their well-being, ATSIC consider, in the light of the implementation of the National Aboriginal Health Strategy, the establishment of a National Task Force to focus on:
a) The examination of the social and health problems which Aboriginal people experience as a consequence of alcohol use;
b) The assessment of the needs in this area and the means to fulfil these needs; and
c) The representation of Aboriginal Health Services and other medical resources in such a project.
Aboriginal Justice Caucus Assessment
Recommendation 63 was the responsibility of the Commonwealth Government.
Background
The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC) recognised disparities in health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, particularly regarding social and health problems associated with alcohol use. During the Commission, many Aboriginal people identified alcohol use as a major factor contributing to community disruption, with some communities stating that alcohol consumption dominated their everyday life. In line with the RCIADIC’s emphasis on Aboriginal self-determination, the Commissioners noted that Aboriginal people were best able to assess the health needs of their communities and develop appropriate courses of action. Hence, Aboriginal Health Services were to be incorporated into research and other projects in these areas.
Actions Taken Since Last Review
National Drug Strategy 2017-2026
Provides a national framework for building safe, healthy and resilient Australian communities through preventing and minimising alcohol, tobacco and other drug related health, social and economic harms among individuals, families and communities.
The Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs manages the National Drug Strategy, involving senior health and law enforcement officials across Australia and New Zealand.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Drug Strategy 2014–2019
A sub-strategy of the above, which aimed to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by preventing and reducing the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs on individuals, families and their communities.
This strategy acknowledged the need for coordinated, cross-government responses across all levels and sectors—health, justice, housing, employment, and child and family services—and was informed by community consultations in 2013.
Four policy principles underpinned this strategy:
- Community ownership – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of responses.
- Culturally safe, holistic approaches—Interventions must reflect Indigenous definitions of health, which encompass physical, spiritual, emotional, and community well-being.
- Whole-of-Government and partnerships – Effective solutions require collaboration between government departments and Aboriginal community-controlled and non-government organisations.
- Needs-based resourcing – Funding should be equitable, sustainable, and evidence-based, supporting short- and long-term outcomes.
This strategy builds on the National Drug Strategy framework and aims to strengthen Aboriginal-led solutions, reduce harms from alcohol and other drugs, and support healthier communities through coordinated, culturally respectful action.