08/07/25 - Alcohol and Drug Foundation urges dedicated prevention budget for Tasmania
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) is calling on all election candidates to prioritise a dedicated preventive health budget, saying it’s urgently needed to reduce alcohol and other drug-related harms across Tasmania.
With alcohol-induced deaths and risky drinking levels among the highest in the country, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Spokesperson, Craig Martin, said strong investment in preventive health in Tasmania is more important than ever.
“The impact of alcohol and other drug-related harms in Tasmania is significant and concerning. We need dedicated investment into prevention, which helps to address the drivers of these harms, and stop them from happening in the first place,” Mr Martin said.
“The launch of Tasmania’s 20-Year Preventive Health Strategy later in the year, presents an opportunity for our next government to make Tasmania a national leader in prevention. A dedicated prevention budget alongside this strategy is crucial,” he added.
Acknowledging that Tasmania’s finances are under pressure, Mr Martin highlighted the long-term economic benefits of investing in prevention.
“It's estimated that for every one dollar invested in preventive health, there’s a return of approximately $14.30 in healthcare and other savings,” he said.
“In Tasmania, where the healthcare system is under mounting strain from rising chronic disease rates and an ageing population, a stronger focus on prevention is not only a health imperative, it’s fiscally responsible.”
“Strategic investment in prevention would ease demand on overstretched hospitals, slow growth in health expenditure, and deliver long-term savings to the state budget. It would offer one of the highest returns on government investment, reducing future costs while improving lives.”
“Given that prevention leads to healthier communities, reduced pressure on hospitals, and increases productivity and social participation, we urge the incoming government to allocate 5% of total health expenditure into prevention. That is the amount recommended in the National Preventive Health Strategy,” Mr Martin added.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation is looking forward to the launch of Tasmania’s 20-Year Preventive Health Strategy. The Foundation has made several recommendations, including expanding place-based and community-led prevention programs, addressing stigma, and having a health-based approach to illicit drug use.
ENDS
For media enquiries please call the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s media team on 0430 948 380 or email [email protected]
About the Alcohol and Drug Foundation: Celebrating more than 60 years of service to the community, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation is one of Australia’s leading bodies committed to preventing and minimising alcohol and other drug harms in communities around the nation. The Foundation reaches millions of Australians in local communities through sporting clubs, health care settings and schools, offering educational information, drug and alcohol prevention programs and advocating for strong and healthy communities.