Time for Change Survey and Report

12 Method Project design This drug policy advocacy survey was initiated by three allied not-for-profit organisations, each representing diverse and overlapping memberships affected by drug policies. Each organisation had previously conducted membership and community surveys that explored attitudes towards harm reduction and drug policy reform. The organisations collaborated with a shared goal of gathering the perspectives of our respective memberships in a streamlined survey. The survey was co-designed with input from members of each community organisation, utilising their unique expertise as individuals directly impacted by these issues. This included contributions from university students and young people, families affected by drug-related issues, and those working in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD), harm reduction, and related sectors. The results are intended to inform the advocacy efforts of each organisation, aiming to amplify the voices of their communities to improve access to services, enhance representation in political discussions, and raise public awareness about the complex policy factors influencing life outcomes. Survey design The anonymous survey was administered via SurveyMonkey, from December 2023 to June 2024. The survey took approximately 10 minutes to complete and included both demographic questions and Likert scales, where participants expressed their agreement or disagreement with various reform options, as well as open-ended questions designed to capture additional viewpoints not covered by the predefined questions. A previous pilot survey conducted by the partnering organisations served as a blueprint for the final questionnaire. Participation was entirely voluntary, and informed consent was obtained before participants proceeded with the survey. To safeguard participants' health and wellbeing, support services and referral pathways were offered should some questions trigger motivation to connect with external support agencies. Many respondents had personal experiences related to the survey's content and measures were taken to ensure their privacy and confidentiality. Data collected was strictly confidential, with encrypted filing systems and no collection of identifiable information. All data were stored securely, with access limited to project members, and data analysis was only performed at an aggregate level. Sample The survey was promoted through the membership networks of all three organisations, including peak bodies such as the Australian Alcohol and Drug Council (AADC), the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA), South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services (SANDAS), The New South Wales Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA) and the Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (WANDA). It was also advertised at a national advocacy event hosted by one of the organisations in February 2023, and promoted via social media, newsletters, university campuses, and relevant AOD and harm reduction services. Snowball sampling was also used, with the personal and professional networks of all three organisations helping to extend the survey's reach. Prior to participation, all individuals were provided with a description of the survey and what participation involved.