News

The 2018 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD) in Auckland, New Zealand provided an opportunity for NCETA to showcase its workforce development and workplace research programs to delegates from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Professor Ann Roche presented conference delegates with the findings from a recent survey of non-government AOD workers in New South Wales. The survey formed part of a larger international investigation by NCETA, NADA and Matua Raki that examined the wellbeing of AOD workers in New South Wales and New Zealand.

Professor Roche’s presentation noted that wellbeing among non-government AOD workers in New South Wales was generally high, although some were at greater risk of poor wellbeing e.g., younger workers, those with poor physical health, and those lacking supportive social groups. Organisational initiatives to improve worker wellbeing include worker wellbeing policies, multifaceted health promotion programs and effective clinical supervision.

A range of NCETA’s research findings were also highlighted in the following poster presentations:

• Changes in AOD consumption patterns among Australian workers 2007-2016: Beyond National Norms. The study examined patterns and correlates of AOD use across industry groups in 2007 and 2016 and found that 10 year changes in population level prevalence were more pronounced among those in paid employment compared to those not in paid employment.
• Enhancing AOD workers’ wellbeing: A literature review. The review identified the need for enhanced clinical supervision, worker wellbeing strategies designed and implemented at an organisational level; and the creation of resilience- promoting work environments to reduce negative outcomes and improve worker wellbeing.
• The New Zealand addiction workforce: Characteristics and levels of wellbeing. This study highlighted the findings from an online survey of addiction workers conducted by NCETA, NADA and Matua Raki which found high levels of wellbeing among the New Zeeland addiction workforce.

The Conference also provided opportunities for NCETA to showcase, via its exhibition stall, some of its resources to the New Zealand workforce and the potential to form new and reinforce existing collaborative partnerships.