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The Australian Government has implemented a whole-of-government Petrol sniffing strategy in response to the effects of petrol sniffing in some Indigenous communities. The strategy aims to reduce the incidence and impact of petrol sniffing and other forms of substance use among Indigenous youth and communities in specific areas.
The Petrol sniffing strategy is implemented through an eight point plan:
The Australian Government is also providing funding to support a wide range of activities to combat volatile substance use. The Petrol sniffing prevention program manages the implementation of actions outlined in the Government's eight point plan.
Abstract adapted from the Department of Families, Housing, Communitiy Services and Indigenous Affairs
Petrol sniffing prevention program
Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
Department of Health and Ageing
MDP 55 GPO Box 9848
Canberra ACT 2601
Ph: (02) 6289 5683
Email: petrol@health.gov.au
These resources include maps and lists of roadhouses and service stations where Opal fuel is available in South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
This documentary is a compilation of five videos, all of which depict a different community's approach to the prevention of petrol sniffing. The five communities represented are: Yuendemu (the Mt Theo program), Alice Springs (the BushMob program), Mutitjulu, Papunya, and Docker River, all located within the Northern Territory. Completed in 2007, the documentary was funded by the Department of Health and Ageing and produced by Imparja Television Pty Ltd.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) recently released the 'Review of first phase of the petrol sniffing strategy' prepared by Urbis. The Petrol Sniffing Strategy (PSS) involves an eight point plan that includes both supply reduction and demand reduction strategies which aims to:
Overall, stakeholders regard the eight point plan of the PSS as a realistic effort to address the petrol sniffing problem. The Opal fuel has succeeded in substantially reducing the level of petrol sniffing, though more needs to be done in relation to strengthening and supporting communities, and engaging young people. It is believed that improved consultation and sharing of information is needed, and that maintaining a focus on petrol sniffing is important until such time as it is sufficiently reduced, and then issues around sniffing can be seen in the broader context of drug and alcohol problems and their associated policy responses.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
