what we do

Policy and advocacy

Advocacy is a primary role of NADA as a peak body, representing and speaking out for our members, the non-government alcohol and other drugs sector of NSW.

We build relationships with government departments, funding bodies, specialist organisations, research bodies, other peaks, and educational institutions to demonstrate our diverse and effective sector.

NADA develops policy responses and submissions based on internal knowledge and expertise from staff and Board members, as well as garnering expertise from members, stakeholders, professional bodies and individuals.

NADA leads or contributes to the development of formal collective responses with our stakeholders for greater effect. However, we also make independent submissions on matters that have the potential for significant impact on our members.

NADA provides comment on a range of issues through written submission either independently or in collaboration with other peak bodies. For more information on NADA’s policy and advocacy work or to get a copy of NADA’s submissions, contact Robert Stirling.

We welcome contribution from our members and stakeholders to ensure we accurately reflect the diverse views and concerns of our members. Click here to provide feedback.

Submissions
Pre-budget submission 2025 [PDF]
Inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia [PDF]
Community Services Sector (Portable Long Service Leave) Bill 2024 [PDF]
National housing and homelessness plan [PDF]
Special commission of inquiry into healthcare funding [PDF]
Submission on the national alcohol and other drugs workforce development strategy [PDF]
Submission to the special commission of inquiry into the drug ‘ice’: Response to the issues papers [PDF]
Development of the national preventive health strategy: Consultation paper [PDF]
Standing committee on social policy and legal affairs inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence [PDF]
Social services legislation amendment (Drug Testing Trial) Bill 2019 [PDF]

Briefs

Increasing access to specialist alcohol and other drugs services: Funding of the non-government alcohol and other drugs sector [PDF]
2023 Member consultation workshop: Building the living and lived experience workforce in the NGO AOD sector [PDF]
2022 NSW state election issues paper [PDF]
Challenges and opportunities for the non government AOD workforce [PDF]

Position statements
Evidence brief: The NSW non-government alcohol and other drug sector [PDF]
Nicotine vaping products [PDF]
NSW drug summit [PDF]
NADA position: Business and funding models study [PDF]
NADA position paper: Measuring performance of NSW non-government AOD treatment services [PDF]
AOD Peaks Network position on drug testing [PDF]
AOD Peaks Network position on diversion [PDF]

Policy and advocacy updates
NADA provides its members with regular updates on our policy and advocacy activity.
December 2024 [PDF]
September 2024 [PDF]
June 2024 [PDF]
March 2024 [PDF]
December 2023 [PDF]
September 2023 [PDF]
June 2023 [PDF]
March 2023 [PDF}
December 2022 [PDF]
September 2022 [PDF]
June 2022 [PDF]
March 2022 [PDF]
December 2021 [PDF]
September 2021 [PDF]
June 2021 [PDF]
March 2021 [PDF]

Contact NADA for historical updates.

Sector watch updates
Keeping the sector informed on state and commonwealth funding developments
NADA produces these updates to keep its members—including staff, management committees and boards—informed about various policy and funding reviews that impact on the sector.
July 2022 [PDF]
April 2021 [PDF]
November 2020 [PDF]
September 2020 [PDF]
July 2020 [PDF]
May 2020 [PDF]
April 2020 [PDF]
March 2020 [PDF]
January 2020 [PDF]

Contact NADA for historical updates.

Meeting representation
NADA staff attend meetings and consultations to represent and advocate for our members. You can review a full list of regular meetings that NADA staff and board members attend.
Meeting representation 2023-24 [PDF]