Online Event: Changes to the Opioid Dependence Treatment program: implications for access and transitional arrangements from 1 July 2023

In the May Federal Budget, it was announced that from 1 July 2023 the more than 50,000 Australians who need treatment for opioid dependency will have funded support to access the treatment they need from their local pharmacy at a cost they can afford, through a $377.3 million investment over 4 years in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Opioid Dependence Treatment program (ODTP). The resultant changes and transitional arrangements will be outlined and discussed at this event, with the online audience having an opportunity to ask any questions arising ahead of implementation.

This event was held on Tuesday 27 June 2023

Program

- Welcome, Acknowledgement of Country and introduction to event
Melanie Walker, CEO, AADC

- Introduction to AIVL, its current work and strategic priorities
John Gobeil, CEO, AIVL

- Outline of ODTP changes and transitional arrangements from 1 July 2023
David Laffan, Assistant Secretary, Pharmacy Branch, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

- Forum with panellists and audience participation to discuss the changes and transitional arrangements. Special guest panellists include:

• David Laffan, Assistant Secretary, Pharmacy Branch, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
• Kirsten Buckingham, Director, Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
• Rebecca Lang, Deputy Chair, AADC Board and CEO, Queensland Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies (QNADA)
• Stephanie Hocking, Director of Clinical Services and Programs, Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs, NSW Ministry of Health
• Chris Gough, President, AIVL and Executive Director, Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation & Advocacy (CAHMA)
• Ele Morrison, Senior Project Officer, AIVL

Forum Chair: Melanie Walker, CEO, AADC