Translating research into policy: Insights into influence from decision makers

June 2015

Insights into how to effectively influence policy from those who have held decision-making posts at the highest level of government are anticipated to be a highlight of the Drugs, Policy and Public Health program being held next month.

The program – running as both a professional development opportunity for people working in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector and a postgraduate unit for students enrolled in higher degrees – aims to give participants a framework to help translate research into AOD policy.

Headlining the event is the ‘Drugs, Policy and Politics’ panel discussion that features former WA Premier Carmen Lawrence and former Government Ministers Judi Moylan and Michael Moore. The program will also cover many other topics, ranging from alcohol and tobacco advocacy, Aboriginal Australian issues and AOD policy change to the challenges of methamphetamines, prisons and the online environment.

Now Director of the Centre for the Study of Social Change at UWA, Dr Lawrence was at various times: WA Minister for Education and Aboriginal Affairs; the first woman Premier and Treasurer of a State government; Federal Minister for Health and Human Services and Minister assisting the Prime Minister on the Status of Women.

During 20 years as the Federal Member for Pearce, the Hon. Judi Moylan served as Minister for Family Services and Minister for the Status of Women. She is now Independent President and Chair of the Board of Diabetes Australia and Global Coordinator of the International Diabetes Federation’s Parliamentarians for Diabetes Global Network.

Michael Moore is CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia and President Elect of the World Federation of Public Health Associations. A former Minister of Health, he was an Independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly for 12 years.

Drugs, Policy and Public Health is hosted by the National Drug Research Institute from July 20-24. Visit the event website for more information on the professional development program or the postgraduate unit. Registrations close 19 June, 2015.