Inquiry into the Misuse/Abuse of Benzodiazepines and other forms of Pharmaceutical Drugs in Victoria

Terms of Reference

Received from the Legislative Assembly on 1st March 2007 under section 33 of the Parliamentary Committees Act 2003.

To the Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee – for inquiry, consideration and report no later than 30 November 2007 on the misuse/abuse of benzodiazepines and other forms of pharmaceutical drugs in Victoria with particular regard to:

1. Examine the nature, extent and culture of the misuse/abuse of benzodiazepines and other forms of pharmaceutical drugs;
2. Examine the short and long term consequences/harms of the abuse/misuse of benzodiazepines and other forms of pharmaceutical drugs;
3. Examine the relationship between benzodiazepines and other forms of pharmaceutical drugs and other forms of licit and illicit substance use;
4. Review the adequacy of existing strategies for dealing with benzodiazepines and other forms of pharmaceutical drugs misuse/abuse;
5. Recommend best practice strategies to address the issue of benzodiazepines and other forms of pharmaceutical drugs, including regulatory, law enforcement, education and treatment responses; and
6. Examine national and international legislation, reports and materials relevant to the issue.