Volatile substance use (VSU) in Western Australia is addressed at a local, regional and state-wide level. An effective response to VSU requires a collaborative, coordinated, integrated approach between a range of stakeholders with strategies that are flexible and relevant to each local community. 

Responsibility for action exists across a broad range of government sectors including health, law enforcement, criminal justice, social welfare, recreation and education. The community-based sector, business and industry, the media, research institutions and local communities affected by VSU all have a role to play in addressing the issue.

At a local and regional level where issues are present, VSU working groups or alcohol and other drug (AOD) management groups are in place to implement a range of strategies to address local VSU. Regional VSU Working Groups require the sponsorship and support of interagency regional manager's groups and networks to ensure the successful implementation of effective regional and local strategies. 

The groups must work closely with local communities experiencing VSU issues to support the development of effective local community strategies. Priorities for these strategies will vary from community to community depending on local needs and issues.

A Volatile Substance Use Incident Reporting and Response system has been developed to inform regional VSU working groups of incidents of VSU as they occur, to ensure that a timely coordinated response can be implemented. 

For more information about local and regional VSU Working Groups or AOD Management Groups in your area, see the Regional response page of this website.