On behalf of the Tasmanian Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) sector, we are proud to announce the formal public release of our collective Position Statement: Tackling stigma for a safer and more inclusive Tasmania.
This statement represents a unified commitment from the Tasmanian AOD sector to challenge and eliminate the stigma and discrimination that affects individuals who use AODs, their families, and the professionals who support them. This initiative was developed as part of Key Action 6.3 of the Reform Agenda for the AOD Sector in Tasmania.
Why This Statement is Essential
Worldwide, AOD use is considered among the most stigmatised health conditions. In Tasmania, individuals report frequent experiences of judgment and discrimination which lead to significant harm (we’ve included some examples below).
- Barriers to Care: Stigma and discrimination create barriers to seeking help and can make people reluctant to access professional support for fear of being labelled or marginalised.
- Psychological and Physical Harm: These experiences can result in feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, and can lead to chronic stress, depression, and poor physical health.
- Social and Economic Impacts: Discrimination often results in exclusion from social life and workplace opportunities, making it harder to access necessities like housing and employment.
Our Collective Commitment
The Tasmanian AOD sector is committed to creating meaningful change by challenging these barriers. Our approach is guided by the Tasmanian Drug Strategy 2024–2029 and the Charter of Health Rights and Responsibilities.
As a sector, we are committed to:
- Using Person-First Language: Prioritising the person over their substance use and ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
- Embedding Lived and Living Experience: Integrating meaningful lived and living experience into all levels of service design, recruitment, and delivery to ensure continual improvement.
- Providing Inclusive Services: Designing and providing supports that are accessible, inclusive, and evidence-based.
- Speaking Up: Actively challenging inaccurate, outdated, or discriminatory remarks and actions.
- Addressing Root Causes: Recognising that harms often result from factors such as trauma, abuse, and mental ill health.
A Unified Sector Voice
This Statement reflects a powerful collective commitment to creating safer and more responsive systems. It has been formally endorsed by organisations including the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council Tasmania, the Tasmanian Department of Health, Primary Health Tasmania, and many more signatories from across the sector joining this initiative.
We encourage all community members and partner organisations to adopt these principles to help build a Tasmania that is inclusive and safe for everyone.
Download the Position Statement here (Screen/Print A4)
Download the Position Statement here (Prints 3 A4 sheets)