VSU
In some regional and remote areas, tourists may be an unintended source of supply for volatile substances.
Tourists may be carrying volatile substances that can be used for the purpose of intoxication. In some towns and communities these may be stolen from vehicles or taken from wherever rubbish is disposed of, such as bins and rubbish tips. It is important tourists know these substances need to be stored and transported securely and disposed of in a responsible manner.
Tourist strategy
The Mental Health Commission has developed a Tourist factsheet to raise awareness among tourists in regional and remote areas about the issue of volatile substance use (VSU). It provides information about how tourists can minimise access to volatile substance products that may be used for the purpose of intoxication.
What travellers can do to reduce access to volatile substances
- Use Low Aromatic Fuel (LAF) that may be branded as Opal or Unleaded Low Aromatic, where available. LAF is a substitute for regular unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 91 and can be mixed with regular 91 unleaded fuel already in your tank. LAF has been specifically designed with very low levels of intoxicating compounds. For more information about LAF, see the Low Aromatic Fuel website.
- Where possible, use aerosols with non-hydrocarbon propellants and non-solvent based products.
- Be familiar with what volatile substance products are in your possession and check them before leaving a town/community. If anything is missing, please report it to police.
- For local waste services, contact the local shire.
- Ensure unattended vehicles are locked at all times.
- Keep all volatile substance products and petrol-powered equipment locked up and out of sight.
Information and support
For more information about how you can support raising awareness among tourists to prevent the misuse of volatile substances in the community, contact the Volatile Substances Program at the Mental Health Commission or see the Regional response page of this website for any VSU strategies in your area.
Page last updated18 July 2025