While it is possible to access the maps through a mobile phone, due to the amount of available data displayed in the maps, we recommend using a desktop or a laptop computer for an optimal experience. We also strongly recommend using a  modern browser such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge.

While IE11 continues to receive security updates, compatibility fixes, and technical support, it is effectively frozen in time as far as active development is concerned, and lacks modern features and standards compliance. Supporting IE, which is below 5% of browser market share, would involve compromising performance. Therefore we recommend using a modern browser such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge.

Currently state totals are provided in a separate map on the AODstats website. You would need to go to the AODstats home page and then select the Victoria State map (link under the LGA map).

No, the data is not available at postcode or suburb level. Whilst Turning Point does have some indicator data by postcode and suburb level, not all indicators are provided at this level and are only provided at an LGA or state level. Also, the issue with providing data at a smaller level than LGA may not be useful as many values will not be reported due to being a small cell size (i.e. less than five).

Rates are crude rates using the most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimated resident population (ERP) data. For a calendar year the ERP used is of the same year, taken at June (e.g. 2015 data uses June 2015 ERP). For a financial year the EPR used is that of the beginning of the financial year (e.g. 2014-15 data uses June 2014 ERP).

Crude rates allow for adjustment of population size across different areas. However, they do not adjust for certain demographic attributes (specifically age and sex). From a public health perspective there are advantages to standardising for age and/or sex, as it allows comparisons across areas to be made more accurately. However, from a policy perspective, knowing what is impacting the rates is equally important. Given that age and gender are key contributors to alcohol harms and use, if an area has more or fewer men and younger people than other areas, this information is important in terms of developing and delivering targeted policies and services.

Many indicators do not collect other demographic information such as ethnicity and so this data is typically not available.

Any illicit drug primarily involved in a case, including heroin, other opioids, amphetamines, cannabis, stimulants, GHB, hallucinogens, inhalants, synthetic cannabis, or other illicit drugs not explicitly mentioned. 

Any prescription drug primarily involved in a case, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, analgesics, sedatives, pharmacotherapy, steroids or another medication (prescribed or non-prescribed) not explicitly mentioned.

Indicator data is updated on an annual basis. These updates occur twice per year, in the second and fourth quarters, dependent upon when the indicator data becomes available. As it becomes available a new year of data is added to the existing data and the oldest year of data is removed, to provide a 10 year trend. Occasionally, due to new processes or new cases being added, some datasets are provided as a backlog of updated data and so, where required, multiple retrospective years may be updated at the time of adding a new year of data.

Yes, you can choose single or multiple age groups by checking the tickbox for the age group/s of interest.

The deaths data on AODstats are obtained from the Australian Coordinating Registry cause of death unit record file. Deaths are coded from death certificates compiled by the collective jurisdictional Registries of Birth, Deaths and Marriages, and State and Chief Coroners, using ICD10 codes. Drug information is determined from the underlying cause of death ICD10 code.

However, this data may differ from data collected directly from coroner’s systems, such as through NCIS, as they have further documents and information relating to the death (e.g. pathology or toxicology reports) which may include drugs contributing to or involved in the death.  Also, the drug information may be included on the death certificate as a contributing cause of death, but not the underlying cause of death and therefore data presented on AODstats will most likely be an underrepresentation of alcohol or drug-related deaths.

The attribution of a drug or substance as being involved in the event is formed on the basis of ambulance paramedic mention of the involvement of these substances, established through paramedic clinical assessment, patient self-report or information provided by someone else at the scene, such as family or associates. The core criterion project staff use in determining the involvement of a drug or substance is: “Is it reasonable to attribute the immediate or recent (not merely chronic) over- or inappropriate ingestion of the substance or medication as significantly contributing to the reason for the Ambulance Victoria attendance?”

Currently state totals are provided in a separate map on the AODstats website, as are metropolitan/regional totals. You need to go to the Explore data button and then select the Victoria State map or the Metro/regional map.

Turning Point,  (insert year). AODstats: Victorian alcohol and drug statistics, www.aodstats.org.au. Date accessed: (insert date)