Following recommendations made by the ACMD in 1982 the government’s Central Funding Initiative funded the setting up of several regional specialist drug training units in the period 1983-1987. Lack of central planning meant these were patchily distributed and varied in their approach. After 1987 CFI funding trailed off and HIV spread became a key issue, leading to the opening up of courses nationally and a focus on harm reduction. Administrative rationalization and standardisation around recognised qualifications and a move away from experiential training are anticipated.