The National School Drug Education Strategy (NSDES) (PDF  135kb, 35 pages) forms one of a number of National Drug Action Plans developed under the National Drug Strategic Framework. The Plans set out the priorities for reducing the harm arising from the use of licit and illicit drugs, including alcohol; strategies for taking action on these priorities; and performance indicators.
The NSDES was developed on the basis of a collaborative, intersectoral coordinated approach to drug education and reflects consideration of the issues raised by stakeholder groups in the initial consultations. It is consistent with the principles set out in the National Drug Strategic Framework. |
The Australian Government is committed to providing safe and supportive environments for all school students. Through the National School Drug Education Strategy (NSDES), a total of $47.5 million has been provided from 1999-2000 to 2007-2008 for school drug education. This funding is directed towards fostering the capacity of school communities to provide safe and supportive school environments for all Australian school students, enhancing school drug education programmes and the management of drug related issues and incidents in schools.
The NSDES strengthens the provision of educational programmes and supportive environments which contribute to the goal of ‘no illicit drugs in schools’. This goal is based on the belief that illicit and other unsanctioned drug use in schools is unacceptable. While the focus is on educational outcomes, assisting students with drug related problems and deterring the presence and use of unsanctioned drugs in schools are also addressed.
Under the NSDES funding is provided to State and Territory education jurisdictions to enhance school drug education programmes. In addition, a proportion of funding is directed toward discretionary, nationally strategic projects. These are primarily in relation to key areas identified by the Australian Government and include informing and involving parents, school and community partnerships, research, evaluation and addressing the needs of targeted groups and regions.