Release of the SA Alcohol and Other Drug Sector Workforce Development Framework 2025-2032

The South Australia alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector is complex, with services provided by a variety of public, private, and non-government services funded by local, state, and Commonwealth governments. AOD services are offered across the primary and tertiary health care sectors, and include AOD prevention, screening, intervention, harm reduction and treatment services.

As a member of the SA AOD Workforce Development Project Reference Group led by Drug and Alcohol Services SA, Adelaide PHN provided input into the recently released South Australian Alcohol and Other Drugs Sector Workforce Development Framework 2025-2032. 

The Framework reflects the state government’s commitment to partnering with the non-government AOD sector on workforce strategy and planning, and finding solutions to address critical workforce shortages.

Along with the other members of the Project Reference Group, Adelaide PHN acknowledges that a sustainable and skilled workforce that can meet the needs of those impacted by AOD use is essential to deliver high-quality services and programs. Equally, it is imperative that we all work together to create a workforce that is developed, supported, collaborative, and delivers high quality care for our community.

The Framework offers guidance on how to better identify and understand the current and emerging workforce needs, and challenges of the specialist AOD sector. It also provides opportunities to strengthen and develop the workforce across government and non-government services via five priority areas, including:

• securing new workforce for the future
• developing a capable and collaborative workforce
• supporting workers who provide AOD treatment and harm reduction
• promoting a digitally and technologically enabled workforce
• promoting a culturally safe and competent workforce.

While the Workforce Framework is not intended to replace current workforce development actions or responsibilities, AOD sector representatives and organisations are encouraged to review their internal workforce planning and development activities to identify where internal strategies and processes can better align with the Framework.