Drug Summit Media Updates
Friday 6/12/24
Why has NSW ruled out what health experts say is the ‘best way forward’ on drugs?
The Guardian
“I could have probably fixed my life years and years before I did if what I was doing was not illegal. I was hoping others might get that chance.”
Thursday 5/12/24
Bob Carr calls for pill testing on final day of NSW Drug Summit
ABC
Former NSW premier Bob Carr has urged Chris Minns to introduce pill testing as pressure mounts on the government to act on the issue of illegal drugs.
Anger, frustration and revolt: Inside the final day of NSW’s drug summit
Sydney Morning Herald
“We feel that we haven’t been included in the way we should’ve been in the summit,”
Sharp blade of addiction drawn at summit
Canberra Times
“Everything that I learned needs to be in one spot, they need to learn about culture, who they are, and identity,” he said.
What is the opioid reversal drug naloxone, how does it work, and where can I get it?
ABC RN
“The dose that we have in naloxone [now] is a small dose, so … they don’t wake up and become aggressive. They wake up and start breathing again.”
NSW government urged to rethink opposition to drug decriminalisation
ABC RN
“The New South Wales government has come under fire for ruling out drug decriminalisation this term before its two-day drug summit in Sydney has even started.”
‘No guard rails’: NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park’s vow for drug reform at landmark Drug Summit
news.com.au
“They’ve been given no set agenda. While there are things that we will agree and not agree on — absolutely — that report will be handed to government in a faithful way.“
Wednesday 4/12/24
‘‘No magic solution’: Calls for the government to ‘do better’ at the NSW Drug Summit in Sydney
News.com.au
‘Experts have come together to form a plan to address a “pervasive” issue that “touches all parts of our community”.
‘No silver bullet’: drug users need support, not court
AAP
“Doctors and lawyers are calling for people who use drugs to be given healthcare appointments instead of court dates.”
More than 90% of people caught with small amounts of illicit drugs criminalised in NSW despite diversion reforms
The Guardian
“A New South Wales government program that gives police discretion to divert people found with small quantities of illicit drugs away from the courts has only been extended to 6.9% of people caught, including just 2.6% of those who are Indigenous.“
NSW Drug Summit must be more than a talkfest – action is needed
Croakey News
“The NSW Drug Summit must ensure that effective prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services are readily available to all communities, regardless of location,”
Calls for more medically supervised injecting centres in NSW
ABC AM
“Twenty-five years since the historic 1999 drug summit which culminated in the first medically supervised injecting centre in the southern hemisphere, drug reform advocates say little has changed.”
NSW drug summit an opportunity for new government strategy to address risks of drug harm, experts say
ABC News
“Jessica says her son was let down by the healthcare system over the three years he had a substance misuse problem“
Tuesday 3/12/24
Decriminalisation key for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in their push for drug policy reforms
ABC News 7:30 Report
“Out of the 6,332 minor drug charges issued between February and August, only 6.4 per cent were diverted. And while the average for a non-Indigenous person is 7 per cent, the average for Indigenous persons is 2 per cent — a figure Professor Ritter described as “appalling”.“
Drug Summit 2024: Our Hopes and Expectations are High- VIDEO
ABC News
“Welfare Groups urge the NSW Government to be open to Major Reforms”
In 1999, Annie raised her voice at the landmark drug summit. This is what she has to say today
Michael McGowan and Max Madison
“I did feel that the group of people who came together have never been in the room together talking about these issues … there is a lot of power in that,”
Injecting room boss ‘ready to quit’ over drug inaction
Luke Costin and Samantha Lock
“We have families in our community where the kids have died from an overdose, but (the parents) will tell the community that they died in a car accident,”
Tuesday 2/12/24
Another drug summit? This time, premier, don’t tick boxes- save lives
Dan Howard
“Our illicit drug laws and policies were not working and that they fell well short of what the citizens of NSW are entitled to expect.“
