About QuIVAA
QuIVAA is a community-based organisation which aims to represent the diversity of interests of injectors and illicit drug users, through systemic advocacy aimed at addressing issues affecting users in Queensland.
Operating on a peer-based philosophy, QuIVAA encourages and supports current and former injectors and illicit drug users to be active in all levels of QuIVAA activity and provide input into strategic responses and policy development of drug use in Queensland.
For the past 20 years QuIVAA has been providing services and advocacy for people who use illicit drugs (particually injectors) in Queensland. If we are to suceed in writing a new page in our community's history we really need you and your friends and family's support.
So Please Join QuIVAA
Why join and whats in it for you?
ADCA Policy Statement on Heroin
Please find below the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) Policy Statement on Heroin that has been approved by the ADCA Board. The statement was developed drawing on previous ADCA submissions and policy positions.
You can find this Policy Statement as a PDF (with references) online at: Policy Statement on Heroin
AIVL Retractable Needles and Syringe Survey
Retractable Needles and Syringe have previously been investigated for use within injecting drug user populations in Australia. Although in theory they seem a good idea to reduce needle stick injury and re-use, in practice there are concerns they fail to provide the safe guards expected from such a product. For this reason, several key players with-in the Harm Reduction workforce have come together to try and gather accurate and useful information on what is happening in the real world, where these retractable Needles and Syringes are being given out for use by injecting drug users.
If you have ever used a retractable needle and Syringe, by filling out this short survey you can assist in gathering accurate information to assist to better address the needs of injecting drug users. Any information provided is anonymous, and all unidentified information will is stored on a password protected computer. To fill out the AIVL Retractable Needles and Syringe Survey please visit: AIVL Retractable Syringe Survey
Victorian Decision with National Concequences
Fair Work Australia delivers Landmark case allowing compulsory drug testing in the Victorian Building industry. This decision will no doubt have national implications on workers rights and privacy. Drug User groups around Australia share a number of concerns in relation to this decision.
There is evidence from prisons to show people shifting from smoking Cannabis to injecting short acting substances in an effort to avoid positive drug screens. There are major privacy concerns for workers who may be on a methadone or beuprenorphine program. These are evidence based programs and people have a right to privacy in relation to their treatment for health conditions.
Unfortunately these programs can attract much stigma and discrimination for the consumer and positive testing in these cases could see stigma in the work place and even job losses. Please see the following press release from AIVL and Harm Reduction Victoria. http://aivl.org.au/#p=1109