About Voice
WHAT IS VOICE?
Background
voice – previously known as the community advisory council - was born out of the Western Australian 2001 Community Drug Summit after a need was seen for a conduit between the community, the Minister for Health and policy makers on alcohol and drug policy and programs.
voice has an independent Chairperson and 10 members with a wide range of experience and expertise on alcohol and other drug related issues. The members are appointed by the Minister for Health to represent the interests of all Western Australians.
The main aim of voice is to provide the Drug and Alcohol Office and other government agencies with independent advice from the professional and broader community. It does not advocate or lobby for any particular issues.
voice was chosen as the new name in 2005 to reflect the role and function of the group.
What has voice done?
voice has been active in a number of areas including:
• Receiving submissions from the community and addressing these in light of voice’s terms of reference.
• Disseminating accurate information on the Cannabis Control Act to the community whilst the legislation was being discussed in Parliament.
• Raising community concerns about the lack of free or reasonably priced water at licensed premises. This had an impact on the Office of Racing, Gaming and Liquor’s policy on the provision of drinking water in these venues.
• Raising community concerns regarding Diet Coke® marketing and perceived links to solvent use. voice received submissions that such promotions have negative implications for young people.
• Forming links and inputting into strategies that address hazardous alcohol use by young people. This included assisting other organisations to develop programs and initiatives addressing this issue.
• voice has also provided comment on the terms of reference for the independent review of the Liquor Licensing Act and made a submission to the Review.