Health Committee holding its final hearings for the alcohol and other drugs inquiry

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability will hold its final public hearings on Thursday May 28 and Friday May 29 for its inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs.

The witnesses appearing will include peak bodies for the alcohol industry, academic researchers, and national service providers for drug and alcohol harm intervention, including charities and Aboriginal health organisations. The committee will also hear from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Australian Federal Police.

Committee Chair, Mike Freelander MP, said, "Alcohol and other drug-related harm negatively affect tens of thousands of Australians each year. This inquiry is nearing completion, and the Committee is looking forward to receiving further insights at these final hearings to help guide the deliberations for our report.

"The committee will seek to make meaningful policy recommendations to the government in our report to enhance existing protections, interventions, and recovery support for individuals, families, and communities suffering from the impacts of drug and alcohol abuse," Dr Freelander said.

Date: Thursday, 28 May and Friday, 29 May 2026

Time: Thursday – 9.45am–11.15am AEST

Friday – 8am – 1pm AEST

Location: Committee room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra and online (see below)

Hearing programs can be downloaded at: Public Hearings – alcohol and other drugs inquiry

A live audio broadcast of these hearings can be accessed at www.aph.gov.au/live.

Further information about the Committee’s inquiry is available at the Committee’s website.

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