The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) will host the 2026 General Practice in Addiction (GPADD) Conference in Melbourne today and tomorrow (28-29 August), bringing together clinicians, researchers and community leaders to strengthen Australia’s response to alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues in primary care.
The conference highlights the critical role GPs play as the first point of contact for people experiencing substance use challenges. It also draws attention to the importance of medication assisted treatment for opioid dependence (MATOD), through general practice.
MATOD is a lifesaving treatment for people living with opioid dependency that reduces overdose deaths, hospitalisations and crime, and improves quality of life. Unfortunately, access to MATOD in Victoria is patchy, especially in regional areas. The RACGP is calling on whichever party forms government in November to support access to this life-saving treatment by introducing scaled financial incentives for GPs who prescribe MATOD, alongside a mentorship program to encourage more GPs across Victoria to offer the support.
RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz said every overdose death is a tragedy and represents a missed opportunity for early intervention, treatment and support.
“The latest National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre [NDARC] data shows overdose deaths have reached a 20-year high, with Victoria recording significantly more deaths than any other state, reinforcing the urgent need for these reforms,” she said.
“The NDARC report found 365 Victorians died from drug overdoses in 2024. Opioids remained the leading class involved in more than half of overdose deaths. Drug induced deaths per 100,000 people in Victoria was 8.3 – significantly higher compared to other states such as the ACT at 5.6, New South Wales at 5.8 and Queensland at 7.2.
“These figures are heartbreaking and a shameful record for Victoria. Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a community impacted by a preventable death.
“General practitioners are often the first health professionals people turn to for help. We build long-term relationships with patients and identify risk early, provide non-judgemental care, and connect people with evidence-based treatment.”
Dr Muñoz said medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence is one of the most effective tools available to reduce overdose risk and save lives.
“We know MATOD works. Treatments such as buprenorphine and methadone help people reduce or stop their use of illicit opioids, lower their risk of overdose, improve their health outcomes and support long-term recovery,” she said.
“The evidence is clear that when people can access treatment quickly and close to home, they are more likely to engage in care and achieve better outcomes.”
The theme of this year’s conference, “The Bread and Butter of AOD in General Practice”, underscores that addiction care is not a niche discipline, but a core part of everyday general practice.
GPADD Conference 2026 Convenor and Immediate Past Chair – RACGP Victoria AOD Committee, Dr Anne Saunders, said GPs are uniquely placed to identify, manage and support patients affected by alcohol and other drug use.
“Every day, GPs are supporting patients with complex and often overlapping health issues, including substance use. This conference recognises that AOD care is fundamental to general practice and equips clinicians with the practical tools they need to provide compassionate, evidence-based care,” she said.
“The conference will bring together a multidisciplinary audience of GPs, nurses, allied health professionals, researchers and community advocates to share knowledge, build skills and improve outcomes for patients.
“Reducing stigma and improving access to care starts in the GP consultation room. By strengthening primary care capability, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities.
“The GPADD Conference has become a key national forum for addressing the complexities of addiction, promoting whole-person care and elevating the voices and needs of vulnerable populations.
“We know patients do better when care is accessible, coordinated and delivered without stigma. GPADD 2026 will help ensure GPs are supported to provide exactly that.”
Event details
2026 GPADD Conference Melbourne (RACGP House & RACV City Club) 28-29 August 2026
The 2026 program emphasises practical strategies that clinicians can apply in routine consultations, from managing prescription dependency to supporting patients experiencing problematic alcohol use or illicit drug use.
Friday, 28 August: Pre-conference workshops at RACGP House will deliver hands-on, in-depth training sessions designed to build confidence and clinical capability.
Saturday, 29 August: The main conference, held at RACV City Club Melbourne, will feature keynote presentations, expert panels and peer discussions, followed by a gala dinner.
