Time for Change Survey and Report

38 We observed significant differences in support across demographics: ● There was significantly more support for government prioritisation of drug treatment resourcing by female-identifying respondents compared to male-identifying respondents. ● Support differed between states/territories, with higher support among NSW residents, and less among South Australian residents, compared to respondents from other jurisdictions. ● Unsurprisingly, respondents who identified as a family member of someone who uses drugs expressed greater support compared to people who did not identify this way. ● Support also varied by age, with people aged 56 and older expressing significantly less support compared to those aged 35 and younger, and people aged 36 to 55 showing more support than those aged 35 and younger. No significant difference was observed between those aged 36 to 55 and those aged 56 and older. Interestingly, students and/or young people expressed significantly lower support than people who did not identify this way. As commented by some respondents, there is a demonstrated need for well-resourced and accessible drug treatment services: “AOD is a health issue and therefore needs every AOD dependent shall be entitled for access to treatment services and adequate funding and community/family lead services should be promoted, invested, and expanded” “There needs to be greater investment in residential rehab and/or day clinics that provide a safe therapeutic space for clients.” Recommendation #14 We recommend all Australian governments prioritise alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment funding as a core public health strategy. This includes sustained investment in diverse, evidence-based treatment services that are accessible, affordable, and responsive to community needs. Affordable access to Opiate Treatment Programs There is strong support for affordable access to Opiate Treatment Programs (OTP) for those who need and want treatment for opioid dependence, with 93.3% indicating support or strong support. Support was consistently high across respondents, with the highest support among professionals (95.5%), family members of people who use drugs (94.9%), and friends of people who use drugs (94.3%), and slightly lower support among people who use drugs (92.9%) and students and/or young people (90.2%; see Figure 16). Support for affordable access to OTP