Victoria has outlined a long-term approach to reducing alcohol and drug harms, with the government releasing its first statewide strategy aimed at building a more connected and responsive support system. The Victorian Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 2025–2035 forms part of a wider $95 million action plan and has been launched by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt.
The strategy draws on research, sector knowledge and the lived experience of people who have interacted with the system. It aims to address changing patterns of alcohol and drug use while improving access to support, reducing stigma and strengthening health and wellbeing for those most at risk.
Five main priorities shape the plan: clearer information and easier pathways to services, stronger and more flexible harm-reduction approaches, community-led support for Aboriginal Victorians, a focus on innovation and system improvement, and better coordination across housing, justice, mental health and other essential services. These areas reflect issues that health advocates and frontline workers have raised consistently, particularly around fragmented access and the need for culturally appropriate care.
The first stage of delivery will concentrate on reinforcing existing services and improving how people find treatment and support. One early initiative will be the trial of naloxone dispensing machines, intended to make this life-saving medication available around the clock during emergencies. Another is the launch of a Never Use Alone helpline, offering anonymous guidance for people at risk of overdose and ensuring that emergency responders can act quickly if required.
The government also plans to work with Aboriginal communities on a dedicated action plan centred on cultural safety, reflecting commitments made through the National Closing the Gap agreement. Community-driven design has been highlighted as essential to improving outcomes for Aboriginal people, who face disproportionate harm from alcohol and drug-related issues.
More than 40,000 Victorians use these services each year, and the government says the strategy aims to create a more compassionate and better coordinated system over the next decade. While the plan has been welcomed by many in the sector, some health groups are expected to watch closely to ensure promised reforms translate into practical improvements, particularly in regional areas where access has long been uneven.
Minister Stitt said the strategy charts a path towards care that is more connected and responsive to people’s needs. She said the focus is on ensuring that every Victorian can find the support that suits them, regardless of their circumstances.
The full Victorian Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 2025–2035 is available here.
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