Interagency Drug Policy Committee (IDPC)

The IDPC

• The IDPC is the principal advisory body to the Tasmanian Government on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs related issues.
• It is also responsible for monitoring alcohol, tobacco and other drugs use trends and harms in Tasmania.
• The IDPC was previously known as the Interagency Working Group on Drugs (IAWGD). It was repurposed in 2020 to focus on the implementation and monitoring of the Tasmanian Drug Strategy (TDS) and its sub-strategies; and to coordinate strategic policy advice and responses in Tasmania.  
• The IDPC will provide an annual report to the Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing on progress of the TDS, and any sub-strategies.

IDPC members

The IDPC is currently chaired by the Deputy Secretary, Community, Mental Health and Wellbeing of the Department of Health, and is a cross-agency forum comprising senior representatives from:

• Department of Health (Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Directorate, Public Health Services, Government Relations and Strategic Policy)
• Department of Police and Emergency Management (Assistant Commissioner, Operations (Deputy Chair), Policy Development and Research Services)
• Department of Treasury and Finance/Commissioner for Licensing (Liquor and Gaming Branch)
• Department of Education
• Department of Justice
• Department of Premier and Cabinet (Policy Division)
• Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council, Tasmania (ATDC)
• Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) – observer status

The work of the IDPC is supported by an advisory structure, with advisory groups specific to the implementation and monitoring of the TDS, and to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs respectively.

The Terms of Reference provide more detail on the work of the IDPC and its governance structure, noting that the review of National Ministerial Councils arising from the formation of the National Cabinet will likely change the national landscape.

Helpful resources

• Terms of Reference for the IDPC
• PPEI Everybody's Business Implementation Plan 2015