The Federal Government today announced the new membership of the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD).
Prime Minister Julia Gillard welcomed the addition of several new members to the ANCD who will bring fresh perspectives on ways to reduce harm caused by drug and alcohol misuse.
They will join a number of experienced members of the ANCD - which will continue to be chaired by Dr John Herron.
The ANCD has played a crucial role as the Australian Government's principal advisory body on drug and alcohol misuse since its establishment in 1998.
Members of the ANCD come from a wide variety of backgrounds and have experience in areas covering law enforcement, the health and social welfare sectors and the community sector.
The ANCD brings a broad, whole-of-society perspective to drug and alcohol issues.
It has helped inform the development of several Government strategies and campaigns which have succeeded in reducing the rate of drug and alcohol misuse.
The Prime Minister said ANCD members, past and present, have made a valuable contribution in tackling the issues behind drug and alcohol misuse.
The Council's membership will next be reviewed in 2014.