What happened

The Australian National Advisory Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ANACAD) met on Ngunnawal country in Canberra on 19–20 February 2026 and has published a short communique. The meeting’s primary focus was to finalise ANACAD’s advice on alcohol and other drugs (AOD) models of care (MoC).

Stage 1–relevant issues discussed

The communique records that ANACAD’s discussion covered several issues of direct relevance to the AOD sector:

  • Opportunities to strengthen digitally enabled support and treatment options.
  • The role and responsibilities of the peer workforce.
  • The importance of the National Drug Strategy.
  • Redesign of the Drug and Alcohol Program (noting the public release of consultation material and that discussion paid attention to probity requirements).
  • Intersections between AOD services and primary care reforms.
  • AOD workforce modelling.
  • Emerging issues relating to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) management and stimulant use.

The communique emphasises that all items on ANACAD’s Work Plan continue to be considered with a view to reducing stigma, discrimination and racism.

What the communique actually confirms

The document confirms that ANACAD finalised its advice on AOD models of care at the February meeting. It also states that the ANACAD Chair will provide confidential advice on the issues discussed to the Hon Mark Butler MP. The communique lists notable attendees and records that the next ANACAD meeting had been scheduled for May 2026.

What the communique does not establish

The communique does not publish the text of ANACAD’s final advice, nor does it indicate whether or how that advice will be adopted, funded or implemented by the government. It does not set out operational details, new program rules, funding commitments or timelines for implementation. The reference to Drug and Alcohol Program redesign notes that consultation material has been publicly released, but the communique does not state the content or outcomes of that consultation.

What this could mean in practice

If the Minister or Department acts on ANACAD’s advice, the areas flagged in the communique suggest possible directions for future policy: stronger digital service options, clarified roles and support for peer workforces, workforce planning informed by modelling, and closer alignment between AOD services and primary care. Discussion of ADHD management and stimulant use indicates these clinical areas may receive greater attention in future guidance or service planning. None of these outcomes are confirmed by the communique itself.

What to watch next

  • Whether ANACAD’s final advice is released publicly or summarised in a Department response.
  • Any departmental or ministerial announcements about Drug and Alcohol Program redesign following the public consultation material referenced by ANACAD.
  • Publication of workforce-modelling outputs, peer workforce frameworks or guidance on digitally enabled AOD services.
  • Any policy material addressing ADHD management and stimulant-related harms in AOD settings.

Bottom line

The February 2026 ANACAD communique confirms the council finalised advice on AOD models of care and highlights several priority issues for AOD policy and services. The communique itself does not release the advice or commit government action; providers, peer workforce representatives and planners should monitor for departmental or ministerial responses and for any public releases that detail recommended changes.