Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2008-06-17 Daily Xml

Contents

AIDS COUNCIL OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

In reply to the Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (18 October 2007).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health): I have been advised that:

Workers employed by the AIDS Council of South Australia in a peer outreach capacity are not required to hold any specific tertiary qualifications, however tertiary qualifications in social work, counselling and other appropriate disciplines are well regarded.

Training is provided to SAVIVE Peer Educators in a number of core areas, focusing on improving understanding of injecting related issues, engaging in service users, referral of clients to appropriate services and administration procedures. Ongoing workforce development, including tailored in-service training on a range of topics related to the Clean Needle Program and injecting drug issue, is available for peer educators.

The AIDS Council of South Australia provides a range of ongoing training for all employees and is currently negotiating with TAFE SA for relevant AIDS Council staff, including peer outreach workers, to undertake the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs.