New Zealand has several pieces of legislation concerning drug and
alcohol consumption, misuse and possession. There are also a great
number of statutes, initiatives and strategies that, to varying degrees,
impact the treatment sector. The three most significant laws, the Misuse
of Drugs Act 1975, the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, the Alcoholism and Drug
Addiction Act 1966, are all currently under review.
The Policy Map
| LEGISLATION/PLAN/INITIATIVE |
GOVERNING ORGANISATION |
STATUS |
| Misuse of Drug Act 1975 |
Ministry of Health |
Under Review by the Law Commission |
| Sale of Liquor Act 1989 |
Ministry of Justice |
Under Review by the Law Commission |
| Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Act 1966 |
Ministry of Health |
Under review by MoH |
| Youth Justice Bill |
Ministries of Justice & Social Development |
To be tabled in Parliament Feb 2009 |
| Public Health Bill |
Ministry of Health |
Currently going through the Select Committee |
| National Drug Policy 2007-2012 |
Ministry of Health |
In place |
| Te Tahuhu and Te Kokiri Mental Health and Addiction Plans 2005-15 |
Ministry of Health |
In place, Te Kokiri project review due 2010 |
| National Alcohol Action Plan (Draft) |
Ministry of Health |
MoH working on final document |
| Effective Interventions Package |
Ministries of Justice and Health |
Implementation stage |
| Matua Raki-National Addiction Treatment Workforce Development Programme |
Funded by Ministry of Health. Hosted by Te Rau Matatini |
Strategic plan in place. Strategic Implementation plan under draft. |
| The Methamphetamine Action Plan 2004 |
Ministry of Health |
In place, no recent activity |
NSAD and Opportunities for Influence
It is NSAD’s concern that there is – or will be – limited inclusion of the
treatment viewpoint in many of these legislative reviews. It is our responsibility
that we advocate for the treatment sector wherever possible and so, while there are
limited opportunities for submissions in some areas, there are others where we feel
we can make significant impact:
- Two key acts – the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 and the Sale of Liquor
Act 1989 are now under review by the Law Commission (as above). There is an
opportunity for NSAD, as a key stakeholder, to contribute to the development
of both of these issue papers. In their current state, neither Act has a
particular health focus. The review process provides the chance for the
treatment sector to play an effective advocacy role.
- The Youth Justice Bill is likely to go to Select Committee very soon.
If so, it provides NSAD with an opportunity for a strong submission to ensure
the treatment sector is not marginalised.