The Drug Summit has arrived… Time to have your say!
The long awaited and advocated for NSW Drug Summit has begun! This is a once in a two-decade opportunity to see real change when it comes to drug policy – your voice matters! We want to see as many people from the community as possible have their voice heard. You can do that by submitting through the have your say portal here: NSW Drug Summit 2024 | Have Your Say. It might feel overwhelming going through all the questions in the survey. So, before you jump in, have a think about what your community needs, and what hasn’t been working. Put your thoughts in, it doesn’t have to be in fancy language or long paragraphs. Something in is better than nothing!
- What is the NSW Drug Summit?
The Drug Summit was a Labor election promise ahead of the NSW Elections last year (2023), as an opportunity for an all of government look at drug policy and the issues communities around NSW face under the current policies of criminalisation, and the lack of adequate supports and services.
The last summit, over 20 years ago in 1999, was a catalyst for new investment, funding and reform for drug policy – including the introduction of the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Kings Cross that still operates with great success, and cannabis caution policy– along with many others.
- So what’s happening now?
The dates of the summit were finally announced a few months ago, following over a year of sustained advocacy from the sector and community. Two regional days were announced, the first was held in Griffith on Friday 1st Nov, and the second was held in Lismore on Monday 4th Nov. We have two more days coming up in Sydney on the 4th and 5th of December. We expect a report in February next year from the co-chairs – Carmel Tebbutt, and John Brogden.
- What’s ACON doing?
ACON have been working with our sector partners, and community members to communicate and organise our position for the summit. We’re largely in agreement with the sector around wanting serious action and evidence backed initiatives and reform. There is a lot of consensus and good actionable recommendations ready for the government to implement – from things like the Ice Inquiry in 2019, and the Coronial Inquest into Deaths at music festivals in 2019, as well as growing evidence for things like drug checking, expanding safe consumption sites and NSP offerings, peer workforce enhancements, and the need for more investment in harm reduction.
We know that for LGBTQ+ communities and individuals, there are not only barriers to accessing existing services, but also specific needs that need to be considered when it comes to alcohol and other drugs. We hope that the government takes this opportunity to bring real change and tangible outcomes for our communities.
ACON has been invited and will be present to advocate for our positions, and the promotion of ACON as a strong community organisation with expertise and a solid track record in AOD and harm reduction for LGBTQ+ community.
- What can I do to contribute / be heard?
- Make your voice heard and submit this survey to contribute to effect change at the Drug Summit
- Write to or call your local MPs and ask them to attend the drug summit days in Sydney.
- Stay up to date with ACON’s social media pages to find out more as the Drug Summit continues.