ANSWERS TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS
25 November 1997
10. Contracted Journalists and Writers
Mr BAILEY to MINISTER for HEALTH, FAMILY and CHILDREN'S SERVICES
1. What are the details of the journalists and specialist writers contracted in the agencies under the portfolio responsibilities of the Minister for Health Services in the following financial years;
(a) 1993-94; and
(b) 1994-95.
2. What amount was paid, in each case referred to in question 1 and:
(a) what was the title or description of the project; and
(b) which projects were exempted from public tender.
ANSWER
1. Nil.
2. Nil.
12. Contracted Journalists and Writers
Mr BAILEY to MINISTER for TRANSPORT and INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
1. What are the details of the journalists and specialist writers contracted in the agencies under the portfolio responsibilities of the Minister for Transport and Works in the following financial years;
(a) 1993-94; and
(b) 1994-95.
2. What amount was paid, in each case referred to in question 1 and:
(a) what was the title or description of the project; and
(b) which projects were exempted from public tender.
ANSWER
1(a) 1993/94 Alcorta Enterprises
Ms Helen Wier
Ms Linda Emslie
1(b) 1994/95 Alcorta Enterprises
2(a) Alcorta Enterprises - assist in the writing of Department of Transport and Works Annual Report for 1992/93, a 13,500 word document for a fee of $5,400.
Ms Helen Wier was engaged to write the 1992/93 Road Safety Council Annual Report for a fee of $2,500.
Ms Linda Emslie was engaged to write the 1992/93 Darwin Port Authority Annual Report for a fee of $3,775.
Alcorta Enterprises were engaged in January 1994 to write two articles; one for the Supply and Tender Board ($354) and one for the Industrial Supplies Office ($560).
In February 1994 Alcorta Enterprises were engaged to prepare an editorial item for the Supply and Tender Board in the NT News for a fee of $505.
In July 1994 Alcorta Enterprises were engaged to write sections of the 1993/94 Department of Transport and Works Annual Report for a fee of $5,000; payment was made on 1 September 1994.
2(b) In 1992/93 an advertisement was placed in the NT News calling for expressions of interest from journalists and writers to be placed on a register for work to be commissioned by the Department.
Details of previous work experience and current rates were requested at the time.
Separate quotations were also called for the writing of the 1992/93 Annual Reports for Transport and Works, Road Safety Council and Darwin Port Authority.
The register of writers was used as the reference for two articles prepared by Alcorta Enterprises in 1992/93 and for the writing of the 1993/94 Department of Transport and Works Annual Report.
35. Advertising by Agencies
Mrs HICKEY to MINISTER for TRANSPORT and INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
1. What was the amount of funds spent by your Department on advertising since 1 July 1996.
2. What form of advertising and how much was spent in each category eg, television, print etc.
3. What are the name(s) of advertising agencies or consultant companies used to prepare these advertisements.
4. What was the amount of money spent on advertisements in which the Minister appeared (in the case of television) or his photograph appeared.
ANSWER
1. $242 147
2. Print Television Radio
3. $191 062 $51 085 --
3. Neville JeffressAdvertising promoting East Arm Port only.
4. In two print advertisements amounting to $311.60.
36. Advertising by Agencies
Mrs HICKEY to MINISTER for the AUSTRALASIA RAILWAY
1. What was the amount of funds spent by your Department on advertising since 1 July 1996.
2. What form of advertising and how much was spent in each category eg, television, print etc.
3. What are the name(s) of advertising agencies or consultant companies used to prepare these advertisements.
4. What was the amount of money spent on advertisements in which the Minister appeared (in the case of television) or his photograph appeared.
ANSWER
1. $123 275
2. All expenditure relates to print cagegory.
3. TMP -Worldwide Pty Ltd, Neville Jeffress
4. Nil.
38. Advertising by Agencies
Mrs HICKEY to MINISTER for PARKS and WILDLIFE
1. What was the amount of funds spent by your Department on advertising since 1 July 1996.
2. What form of advertising and how much was spent in each category eg, television, print etc.
3. What are the name(s) of advertising agencies or consultant companies used to prepare these advertisements.
4. What was the amount of money spent on advertisements in which the Minister appeared (in the case of television) or his photograph appeared.
ANSWER
1. $207 180.28
2. Cinema and Television $ 58 600.30
Radio $ 11 955.00
Print $136 624.98
3. First Class (NT) Pty Ltd
Presentations
Total Advertising and Communications (NT) Pty Ltd
Big Picture Graphic Art
Azure Graphics Pty Ltd
Neville Jeffress Advertising
Advance Advertising
Channel 8 Territory Television
4. Centralian Advocate congratulatory advertisement for the opening of the Alice Springs
Desert Park $159.68.
43. Advertising by Agencies
Mrs HICKEY to ATTORNEY-GENERAL
1. What was the amount of funds spent by your Department on advertising since 1 July 1996.
2. What form of advertising and how much was spent in each category eg, television, print etc.
3. What are the name(s) of advertising agencies or consultant companies used to prepare these advertisements.
4. What was the amount of money spent on advertisements in which the Minister appeared (in the case of television) or his photograph appeared.
ANSWER
1. The amount of funds spent on advertising from 1 July 1996 to 31 October 1997 is $21,032.00.
2. Print $19742
Radio $1290
3. No advertising agencies or consultants were used to prepare these advertisements.
4. The amount of $2970.68 was spent on advertising where the Attorney-General’s photograph was used. The advertisements were in the print media seeking comment on the Associations Amendment Bill and the Partnership Bill.
44. Advertising by Agencies
Mrs HICKEY to MINISTER for HEALTH, FAMILY and CHILDREN'S SERVICES
1. What was the amount of funds spent by your Department on advertising since 1 July 1996.
2. What form of advertising and how much was spent in each category eg, television, print etc.
3. What are the name(s) of advertising agencies or consultant companies used to prepare these advertisements.
4. What was the amount of money spent on advertisements in which the Minister appeared (in the case of television) or his photograph appeared.
ANSWER
1. Financial period 1996/97 $1 032 081
Financial period 1 July to 30 November 1997 $ 459 262
2. 1996/97 1.7.97-
30.11.97
Recruitment advertising $491 381 $152 974
Non recruitment $540 700 $306 288
1996/971.7.97-
30.11.97
TV/Radio (approx 65%) $351 455 $199 087
Print (approx 35%) $189 245$107 201
(includes press & other
resources) $540 700 $306 288
TOTAL _________ _______
$1 032 081 $459 262
3. Agencies used:
CAAMA, Burrundi Pictures, Delta Productions, Local Boy Productions, Crow Media, Clemenger and Total Advertising.
4. TV Nil
Press $1854
54. Treatment Programs for Heroin and other Drug Users
Mr BAILEY to MINISTER for HEALTH, FAMILY and CHILDREN'S SERVICES
1. In 1996, how many deaths occurred in the NT because of -
(i) heroin;
(ii) all other opiates; and
(iii) all other illegal drugs.
2. Did any deaths occur from marijuana in the NT in 1996.
3. How many deaths occurred in the NT during 1996, in which illegal drugs were a contributing factor, but were not listed as the cause of death.
4. How many drug overdose cases were admitted to all NT Public Hospitals during 1996 and what were their ages.
5. What education programs is the Government undertaking and how much time is allocated to such programs -
(i) in schools, to inform and teach young people about addiction and illegal drugs; and
(ii) outside schools, to inform and teach young people about addiction and illegal drugs.
6. During 1996, what programmes were available for heroin dependent people and the conditions for admission to each program. For each program, please advise the number of people who -
(i) commenced;
(ii) completed; or
(iii) were denied participation.
7. What is the current status for the use of methadone in the NT.
8. Is methadone available under any circumstances to people who are heroin users. If so -
(i) how many people are on this program;
(ii) is there a waiting list for people waiting to get on this program;
(iii) are there any people being denied treatment under this program; and
(iv) what are the conditions for placement into this program.
9. What other programs are currently available, or are being considered, for heroin dependent people.
10. During 1996 what was the cost in the NT for administering illicit drug laws. Please break down these costs into amounts for -
(i) Police;
(ii) legal system (including DPP, the Courts and Legal Aid);
(iii) hospital services provided by the NT Government;
(iv) other medical services provided by the NT Government; and
(v) administrative services.
11. What proportion of those people in prison in the NT are there for reasons directly attributable to illegal drugs and what proportion are there for reasons indirectly attributable to illegal drugs.
ANSWER
1-3 Morbidity data is collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Information about drug related deaths in 1996 in the Northern Territory (NT) is not currently available as there may be outstanding Inquests.
4. There were 255 out of a total of 54,691 admissions to NT public hospitals in 1996, who had been poisoned by either illicit drugs or medicinal substances. The average age of these patients at the time of admission was 28.6 years.
Their ages varied from 0-87 years. In 1996, 17 patients were admitted to hospital for poisoning by opiates or related narcotics. 4 indicated methadone or heroin was the agent, 13 others codeine, pethidine, morphine.
5. The Government is undertaking a range of drug and alcohol education programs.
(i) Programs in schools include specially developed curricula in primary and secondary schools. The recommended minimum time for health education in years T-7 is forty minutes per week.
The recommended minimum time allocation for health education in years 8-10 is eighty hours in total over the three years.
These hours can include the following programs: the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program run by community based police in primary schools; Implementing the Common Curriculum in Aboriginal Schools - Health Education Primary (ICCAS) units of work; new teaching resources developed through the National Initiative in Drug Education (NIDE); Australian Sport Drugs Agency materials that have been developed for school use; and Life Education health and drug education programs in primary schools. Alcohol and Other Drugs Services (ADS) provides drug inservices to school nurses, counsellors and youth workers on request.
(ii) Education outside schools includes media campaigns, sponsorships and events such as the Rock Eisteddfod and Choose Yourself which promote health messages. ADS in Darwin and Central Australian Alcohol and Other Drugs Services (CAAODS) in Alice Springs provide counselling for young people on drug issues and are available to speak to community groups and to provide parent information. Government funded alcohol and drug agencies such as the Drug and Alcohol Services Association (DASA) in Alice Springs and Amity House in Darwin also provide drug related information.
6. A therapeutic program specifically for drug dependent people is managed at Banyan House. Admission criteria for Banyan House are: a history of drug misuse; aged 17 or over; and a commitment to become involved in the therapeutic community and to a drug free lifestyle. Clients with major mental illness are not eligible.
(i) In 1996, 57 people entered the therapeutic community at Banyan House. 47 were admitted for opiate dependency. 40 were also polydrug users with opiates as the principal drug.
(ii) Two people completed the program (generally around 6 months duration) and a further thirteen left by mutual agreement (generally because the program no longer meets the client needs).
(iii) No one who met the criteria was denied participation.
Medical detoxification from narcotics and other drugs is available in the Darwin Detoxification Unit. In 1996/97 there were 148 admissions to the Detoxification Unit. Of these 6 presented with opiate dependency as the primary drug, a further 24 were polydrug users, in which opiates was one drug of choice. Non medical detoxification can be undertaken as DASA in Alice Springs. Detoxification can also be undertaken at public hospitals. Outpatient counselling is available. General practitioners also provide services to this client group.
7. Refer to the attached Ministerial Guidelines for Methadone under section 31A of the NT Poisons and Dangerous Drugs Act.
8. Refer to the attached Guidelines.
(i) This figure is variable over time. As at 26 November 1997, eight people are attending the Alcohol and Other Drug Services in Darwin following approval under the Guidelines to receive methadone treatment for narcotic addition.
(ii) There is no waiting list for people who are eligible under the Guidelines.
(iii) Patients who do not fit the Guidelines are ineligible to receive treatment with methadone.
(iv) Refer to the attached Guidelines.
9. See question 6.
10 (i - iv) Administering illicit drug laws is undertaken as part of the general business of a number of government agencies and costings are not segregated.
11. This should be referred to the appropriate Minister.
ATTACHMENT TO WRITTEN QUESTION (ANSWER) 54
CRITERIA FOR METHADONE
1. Public Health Criteria
Patients who are opiate dependent intravenous drug users (IDU) and also:
. pregnant, and for up to six months after delivery, with an appropriately tailored schedule for keeping methadone at the lowest reasonable levels during pregnancy, and for reducing methadone
after delivery - to minimise miscarriage and safeguard the foetus, infant, and mother during a period of physiological change and stress on body systems;
OR
. HIV positive and may transfer the infection by the use of injecting equipment.
2. Clinical Criteria
Patients who are opiate dependent IDU and also:
. enrolled in a “drug-free” rehabilitation program with methadone only on a decreasing-dose withdrawal schedule prior to commencement of, or for part of, their program.
OR
. needs hospitalisation for serious medical illness which may or may not be related to intravenous drug use.
eg. Infecting endocarditis, pneumonia, osteomyelitis or trauma.
Management of serious illness can be difficult and prolonged if complicated by withdrawal from narcotic addiction. Opiates then become a legitimate therapeutic component of the regime for managing a patient with a serious complex of problems, with an appropriately tailored schedule (to a maximum of 3 months) for reducing methadone during outpatient rehabilitation.
PRESCRIBING AND DISPENSING METHADONE
SUPPLY PROCESS
1. initial assessment
The patient is initially assessed by the treating officer/GP. The extent of drug use and evidence of medical complications must be determined by a thorough history and examination. Appropriate investigations should be performed e.g. hepatitis serology, liver function tests.
2. Chief Health Officer approval
The Chief Health Officer is consulted for permission to provide methadone.
3. Clinic 34 assessment
Patients who qualify are referred to Clinic 34 for further assessment, counselling on the options, and stabilisation of the methadone dose. Patients assessed as suitable and who decide to proceed then attend Clinic 34 daily, and administration of medication is witnessed by staff. Weekend dosing will be through the pharmacy at Royal Darwin Hospital.
4. limited GP care
Clinic 34 can recommend to the Chief Health Officer that the patient be referred back to the GP for daily management, with a contract as below signed between the patient and the GP, and annual Clinic 34 review, provided that the GP is able to ensure daily supervised dispensing, and provides Clinic 34 with records demonstrating that management is satisfactory and the contract is being kept. The GP must have satisfactorily completed an appropriate training course in management of patients on methadone.
5. contract
All patients sign a contract with Clinic 34, and with any GP involved in management, that outlines their responsibilities in relation to: keeping appointments; not injecting intravenous drugs or using other schedule 8 drugs while on methadone therapy; providing a urine sample as and when requested by Clinic 34 or the GP; not approaching any other prescribing source for methadone or other schedule 8 drugs; and that if conditions are breached, the contract will be terminated and the methadone supply ceased. A confidentiality waiver is included giving Clinic 34 permission to liaise with the patient’s GP as needed regarding the patient’s progress.
6. withdrawal from the program
Patients will be withdrawn from the program when, in the opinion of the treating medical officer, the prescription of methadone is not fulfilling its intended purpose i.e. to protect the individual and/or community from the consequences of continued injecting drug use.
7. Alice Springs
In exception circumstances the Chief health officer may approve the prescription of methadone in the Alice Springs district. Prescription of methadone will be under the supervision of a GP who has completed the appropriate training and is considered to be a suitable provider by the Chief Health Officer. The GP will be responsible for arrangements relating to the provision of methadone, which must be in the form of syrup, be dispensed daily and witnessed by either the GP or approved pharmacist. Patients will be required to sign the contract as outlined in 5. Above.
REPORTING
The Chief Health Officer will report to the Minister on a periodic basis the number of people receiving methadone under these guidelines.
10. Contracted Journalists and Writers
Mr BAILEY to MINISTER for HEALTH, FAMILY and CHILDREN'S SERVICES
1. What are the details of the journalists and specialist writers contracted in the agencies under the portfolio responsibilities of the Minister for Health Services in the following financial years;
(a) 1993-94; and
(b) 1994-95.
2. What amount was paid, in each case referred to in question 1 and:
(a) what was the title or description of the project; and
(b) which projects were exempted from public tender.
ANSWER
1. Nil.
2. Nil.
12. Contracted Journalists and Writers
Mr BAILEY to MINISTER for TRANSPORT and INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
1. What are the details of the journalists and specialist writers contracted in the agencies under the portfolio responsibilities of the Minister for Transport and Works in the following financial years;
(a) 1993-94; and
(b) 1994-95.
2. What amount was paid, in each case referred to in question 1 and:
(a) what was the title or description of the project; and
(b) which projects were exempted from public tender.
ANSWER
1(a) 1993/94 Alcorta Enterprises
Ms Helen Wier
Ms Linda Emslie
1(b) 1994/95 Alcorta Enterprises
2(a) Alcorta Enterprises - assist in the writing of Department of Transport and Works Annual Report for 1992/93, a 13,500 word document for a fee of $5,400.
Ms Helen Wier was engaged to write the 1992/93 Road Safety Council Annual Report for a fee of $2,500.
Ms Linda Emslie was engaged to write the 1992/93 Darwin Port Authority Annual Report for a fee of $3,775.
Alcorta Enterprises were engaged in January 1994 to write two articles; one for the Supply and Tender Board ($354) and one for the Industrial Supplies Office ($560).
In February 1994 Alcorta Enterprises were engaged to prepare an editorial item for the Supply and Tender Board in the NT News for a fee of $505.
In July 1994 Alcorta Enterprises were engaged to write sections of the 1993/94 Department of Transport and Works Annual Report for a fee of $5,000; payment was made on 1 September 1994.
2(b) In 1992/93 an advertisement was placed in the NT News calling for expressions of interest from journalists and writers to be placed on a register for work to be commissioned by the Department.
Details of previous work experience and current rates were requested at the time.
Separate quotations were also called for the writing of the 1992/93 Annual Reports for Transport and Works, Road Safety Council and Darwin Port Authority.
The register of writers was used as the reference for two articles prepared by Alcorta Enterprises in 1992/93 and for the writing of the 1993/94 Department of Transport and Works Annual Report.
35. Advertising by Agencies
Mrs HICKEY to MINISTER for TRANSPORT and INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
1. What was the amount of funds spent by your Department on advertising since 1 July 1996.
2. What form of advertising and how much was spent in each category eg, television, print etc.
3. What are the name(s) of advertising agencies or consultant companies used to prepare these advertisements.
4. What was the amount of money spent on advertisements in which the Minister appeared (in the case of television) or his photograph appeared.
ANSWER
1. $242 147
2. Print Television Radio
3. $191 062 $51 085 --
3. Neville JeffressAdvertising promoting East Arm Port only.
4. In two print advertisements amounting to $311.60.
36. Advertising by Agencies
Mrs HICKEY to MINISTER for the AUSTRALASIA RAILWAY
1. What was the amount of funds spent by your Department on advertising since 1 July 1996.
2. What form of advertising and how much was spent in each category eg, television, print etc.
3. What are the name(s) of advertising agencies or consultant companies used to prepare these advertisements.
4. What was the amount of money spent on advertisements in which the Minister appeared (in the case of television) or his photograph appeared.
ANSWER
1. $123 275
2. All expenditure relates to print cagegory.
3. TMP -Worldwide Pty Ltd, Neville Jeffress
4. Nil.
38. Advertising by Agencies
Mrs HICKEY to MINISTER for PARKS and WILDLIFE
1. What was the amount of funds spent by your Department on advertising since 1 July 1996.
2. What form of advertising and how much was spent in each category eg, television, print etc.
3. What are the name(s) of advertising agencies or consultant companies used to prepare these advertisements.
4. What was the amount of money spent on advertisements in which the Minister appeared (in the case of television) or his photograph appeared.
ANSWER
1. $207 180.28
2. Cinema and Television $ 58 600.30
Radio $ 11 955.00
Print $136 624.98
3. First Class (NT) Pty Ltd
Presentations
Total Advertising and Communications (NT) Pty Ltd
Big Picture Graphic Art
Azure Graphics Pty Ltd
Neville Jeffress Advertising
Advance Advertising
Channel 8 Territory Television
4. Centralian Advocate congratulatory advertisement for the opening of the Alice Springs
Desert Park $159.68.
43. Advertising by Agencies
Mrs HICKEY to ATTORNEY-GENERAL
1. What was the amount of funds spent by your Department on advertising since 1 July 1996.
2. What form of advertising and how much was spent in each category eg, television, print etc.
3. What are the name(s) of advertising agencies or consultant companies used to prepare these advertisements.
4. What was the amount of money spent on advertisements in which the Minister appeared (in the case of television) or his photograph appeared.
ANSWER
1. The amount of funds spent on advertising from 1 July 1996 to 31 October 1997 is $21,032.00.
2. Print $19742
Radio $1290
3. No advertising agencies or consultants were used to prepare these advertisements.
4. The amount of $2970.68 was spent on advertising where the Attorney-General’s photograph was used. The advertisements were in the print media seeking comment on the Associations Amendment Bill and the Partnership Bill.
44. Advertising by Agencies
Mrs HICKEY to MINISTER for HEALTH, FAMILY and CHILDREN'S SERVICES
1. What was the amount of funds spent by your Department on advertising since 1 July 1996.
2. What form of advertising and how much was spent in each category eg, television, print etc.
3. What are the name(s) of advertising agencies or consultant companies used to prepare these advertisements.
4. What was the amount of money spent on advertisements in which the Minister appeared (in the case of television) or his photograph appeared.
ANSWER
1. Financial period 1996/97 $1 032 081
Financial period 1 July to 30 November 1997 $ 459 262
2. 1996/97 1.7.97-
30.11.97
Recruitment advertising $491 381 $152 974
Non recruitment $540 700 $306 288
1996/971.7.97-
30.11.97
TV/Radio (approx 65%) $351 455 $199 087
Print (approx 35%) $189 245$107 201
(includes press & other
resources) $540 700 $306 288
TOTAL _________ _______
$1 032 081 $459 262
3. Agencies used:
CAAMA, Burrundi Pictures, Delta Productions, Local Boy Productions, Crow Media, Clemenger and Total Advertising.
4. TV Nil
Press $1854
54. Treatment Programs for Heroin and other Drug Users
Mr BAILEY to MINISTER for HEALTH, FAMILY and CHILDREN'S SERVICES
1. In 1996, how many deaths occurred in the NT because of -
(i) heroin;
(ii) all other opiates; and
(iii) all other illegal drugs.
2. Did any deaths occur from marijuana in the NT in 1996.
3. How many deaths occurred in the NT during 1996, in which illegal drugs were a contributing factor, but were not listed as the cause of death.
4. How many drug overdose cases were admitted to all NT Public Hospitals during 1996 and what were their ages.
5. What education programs is the Government undertaking and how much time is allocated to such programs -
(i) in schools, to inform and teach young people about addiction and illegal drugs; and
(ii) outside schools, to inform and teach young people about addiction and illegal drugs.
6. During 1996, what programmes were available for heroin dependent people and the conditions for admission to each program. For each program, please advise the number of people who -
(i) commenced;
(ii) completed; or
(iii) were denied participation.
7. What is the current status for the use of methadone in the NT.
8. Is methadone available under any circumstances to people who are heroin users. If so -
(i) how many people are on this program;
(ii) is there a waiting list for people waiting to get on this program;
(iii) are there any people being denied treatment under this program; and
(iv) what are the conditions for placement into this program.
9. What other programs are currently available, or are being considered, for heroin dependent people.
10. During 1996 what was the cost in the NT for administering illicit drug laws. Please break down these costs into amounts for -
(i) Police;
(ii) legal system (including DPP, the Courts and Legal Aid);
(iii) hospital services provided by the NT Government;
(iv) other medical services provided by the NT Government; and
(v) administrative services.
11. What proportion of those people in prison in the NT are there for reasons directly attributable to illegal drugs and what proportion are there for reasons indirectly attributable to illegal drugs.
ANSWER
1-3 Morbidity data is collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Information about drug related deaths in 1996 in the Northern Territory (NT) is not currently available as there may be outstanding Inquests.
4. There were 255 out of a total of 54,691 admissions to NT public hospitals in 1996, who had been poisoned by either illicit drugs or medicinal substances. The average age of these patients at the time of admission was 28.6 years.
Their ages varied from 0-87 years. In 1996, 17 patients were admitted to hospital for poisoning by opiates or related narcotics. 4 indicated methadone or heroin was the agent, 13 others codeine, pethidine, morphine.
5. The Government is undertaking a range of drug and alcohol education programs.
(i) Programs in schools include specially developed curricula in primary and secondary schools. The recommended minimum time for health education in years T-7 is forty minutes per week.
The recommended minimum time allocation for health education in years 8-10 is eighty hours in total over the three years.
These hours can include the following programs: the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program run by community based police in primary schools; Implementing the Common Curriculum in Aboriginal Schools - Health Education Primary (ICCAS) units of work; new teaching resources developed through the National Initiative in Drug Education (NIDE); Australian Sport Drugs Agency materials that have been developed for school use; and Life Education health and drug education programs in primary schools. Alcohol and Other Drugs Services (ADS) provides drug inservices to school nurses, counsellors and youth workers on request.
(ii) Education outside schools includes media campaigns, sponsorships and events such as the Rock Eisteddfod and Choose Yourself which promote health messages. ADS in Darwin and Central Australian Alcohol and Other Drugs Services (CAAODS) in Alice Springs provide counselling for young people on drug issues and are available to speak to community groups and to provide parent information. Government funded alcohol and drug agencies such as the Drug and Alcohol Services Association (DASA) in Alice Springs and Amity House in Darwin also provide drug related information.
6. A therapeutic program specifically for drug dependent people is managed at Banyan House. Admission criteria for Banyan House are: a history of drug misuse; aged 17 or over; and a commitment to become involved in the therapeutic community and to a drug free lifestyle. Clients with major mental illness are not eligible.
(i) In 1996, 57 people entered the therapeutic community at Banyan House. 47 were admitted for opiate dependency. 40 were also polydrug users with opiates as the principal drug.
(ii) Two people completed the program (generally around 6 months duration) and a further thirteen left by mutual agreement (generally because the program no longer meets the client needs).
(iii) No one who met the criteria was denied participation.
Medical detoxification from narcotics and other drugs is available in the Darwin Detoxification Unit. In 1996/97 there were 148 admissions to the Detoxification Unit. Of these 6 presented with opiate dependency as the primary drug, a further 24 were polydrug users, in which opiates was one drug of choice. Non medical detoxification can be undertaken as DASA in Alice Springs. Detoxification can also be undertaken at public hospitals. Outpatient counselling is available. General practitioners also provide services to this client group.
7. Refer to the attached Ministerial Guidelines for Methadone under section 31A of the NT Poisons and Dangerous Drugs Act.
8. Refer to the attached Guidelines.
(i) This figure is variable over time. As at 26 November 1997, eight people are attending the Alcohol and Other Drug Services in Darwin following approval under the Guidelines to receive methadone treatment for narcotic addition.
(ii) There is no waiting list for people who are eligible under the Guidelines.
(iii) Patients who do not fit the Guidelines are ineligible to receive treatment with methadone.
(iv) Refer to the attached Guidelines.
9. See question 6.
10 (i - iv) Administering illicit drug laws is undertaken as part of the general business of a number of government agencies and costings are not segregated.
11. This should be referred to the appropriate Minister.
ATTACHMENT TO WRITTEN QUESTION (ANSWER) 54
MINISTERIAL GUIDELINES FOR METHADONE
UNDER SECTION 31A OF THE NT
POISONS AND DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT
UNDER SECTION 31A OF THE NT
POISONS AND DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT
CRITERIA FOR METHADONE
1. Public Health Criteria
Patients who are opiate dependent intravenous drug users (IDU) and also:
. pregnant, and for up to six months after delivery, with an appropriately tailored schedule for keeping methadone at the lowest reasonable levels during pregnancy, and for reducing methadone
after delivery - to minimise miscarriage and safeguard the foetus, infant, and mother during a period of physiological change and stress on body systems;
OR
. HIV positive and may transfer the infection by the use of injecting equipment.
2. Clinical Criteria
Patients who are opiate dependent IDU and also:
. enrolled in a “drug-free” rehabilitation program with methadone only on a decreasing-dose withdrawal schedule prior to commencement of, or for part of, their program.
OR
. needs hospitalisation for serious medical illness which may or may not be related to intravenous drug use.
eg. Infecting endocarditis, pneumonia, osteomyelitis or trauma.
Management of serious illness can be difficult and prolonged if complicated by withdrawal from narcotic addiction. Opiates then become a legitimate therapeutic component of the regime for managing a patient with a serious complex of problems, with an appropriately tailored schedule (to a maximum of 3 months) for reducing methadone during outpatient rehabilitation.
PRESCRIBING AND DISPENSING METHADONE
SUPPLY PROCESS
1. initial assessment
The patient is initially assessed by the treating officer/GP. The extent of drug use and evidence of medical complications must be determined by a thorough history and examination. Appropriate investigations should be performed e.g. hepatitis serology, liver function tests.
2. Chief Health Officer approval
The Chief Health Officer is consulted for permission to provide methadone.
3. Clinic 34 assessment
Patients who qualify are referred to Clinic 34 for further assessment, counselling on the options, and stabilisation of the methadone dose. Patients assessed as suitable and who decide to proceed then attend Clinic 34 daily, and administration of medication is witnessed by staff. Weekend dosing will be through the pharmacy at Royal Darwin Hospital.
4. limited GP care
Clinic 34 can recommend to the Chief Health Officer that the patient be referred back to the GP for daily management, with a contract as below signed between the patient and the GP, and annual Clinic 34 review, provided that the GP is able to ensure daily supervised dispensing, and provides Clinic 34 with records demonstrating that management is satisfactory and the contract is being kept. The GP must have satisfactorily completed an appropriate training course in management of patients on methadone.
5. contract
All patients sign a contract with Clinic 34, and with any GP involved in management, that outlines their responsibilities in relation to: keeping appointments; not injecting intravenous drugs or using other schedule 8 drugs while on methadone therapy; providing a urine sample as and when requested by Clinic 34 or the GP; not approaching any other prescribing source for methadone or other schedule 8 drugs; and that if conditions are breached, the contract will be terminated and the methadone supply ceased. A confidentiality waiver is included giving Clinic 34 permission to liaise with the patient’s GP as needed regarding the patient’s progress.
6. withdrawal from the program
Patients will be withdrawn from the program when, in the opinion of the treating medical officer, the prescription of methadone is not fulfilling its intended purpose i.e. to protect the individual and/or community from the consequences of continued injecting drug use.
7. Alice Springs
In exception circumstances the Chief health officer may approve the prescription of methadone in the Alice Springs district. Prescription of methadone will be under the supervision of a GP who has completed the appropriate training and is considered to be a suitable provider by the Chief Health Officer. The GP will be responsible for arrangements relating to the provision of methadone, which must be in the form of syrup, be dispensed daily and witnessed by either the GP or approved pharmacist. Patients will be required to sign the contract as outlined in 5. Above.
REPORTING
The Chief Health Officer will report to the Minister on a periodic basis the number of people receiving methadone under these guidelines.
November 1996
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016