The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport is conducting an inquiry and report on the health impacts of alcohol and other drug use in Australia, with the Terms of Reference as listed below.

Massage & Myotherapy Australia is preparing a submission to ensure that any policy reforms or recommendations include greater recognition and involvement of professional massage therapists and myotherapists as funded services.

It should be noted that, while some data on member services is available through the Association’s 2023 Practitioners' Survey, more detail is required – for example, the Practitioners' Survey only lists the number of members who provide services in addictions and rehabilitation support centres (4%). However, it is possible that many members provide these services elsewhere, such as in their private clinics/rooms or in their patients’ homes, etc.

This Pulse Survey shown below is intended to amend this limitation. It will gather vital information contributing to the insights and depth of the Association’s subsequent submission to inform the Standing Committee’s considerations, final report and policy recommendations.

Terms of Reference

a) Assess whether current services across the alcohol and other drugs sector is delivering equity for all Australians, value for money, and the best outcomes for individuals, their families, and society;

b) Examine the effectiveness of current programs and initiatives across all jurisdictions to improve prevention and reduction of alcohol and other drug-related health, social and economic harms, including in relation to identified priority populations and ensuring equity of access for all Australians to relevant treatment and prevention services;

c) Examine how sectors beyond health, including for example education, employment, justice, social services and housing can contribute to prevention, early intervention, recovery and reduction of alcohol and other drug-related harms in Australia; and

d) Draw on domestic and international policy experiences and best practice, where appropriate.

More information:

For further information please contact Massage & Myotherapy Australia or visit the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability by clicking here.

Question Title

* 1. Do you provide services to assist in drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation or treatment?

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