Report on the 2024 NSW Drug Summit calls for action across 12 key areas

The summit showcased the various parts of society touched by this challenge, from those in healthcare, justice, housing, social services and those impacted by illicit substances. The summit took place over two days in Sydney, and two days of regional forums in Griffith and Lismore. It heard from over 400 participants from a variety of backgrounds, including health experts, police, people with lived and living experiences, families and other stakeholders. It received 3,600 written submissions through a dedicated portal, and more than 80 submissions and statements from organisations and individuals.

The report identified 56 priority actions, grouped into 12 areas, including access, integration and design of the service system to provide inclusive service access across diverse communities, access to specialist mental health services and services that respond to the “holistic needs of clients,” prevention and early intention programs, information and education, particularly amongst young people, family and community support.

In its submission to the Drug Summit, The Law Society of NSW said that drug misuse is a health and social issue. The submission argues the current criminal legislative framework needs reform to balance community safety, effective use of law enforcement and criminal justice resources, as well as the protection of vulnerable parties such has children and young people from the effects of drug use. It reiterates the view that investment in “better and different forms of rehabilitation resources” will have greater impact in addressing the health and safety requirements of individuals and communities.

Jennifer Ball, President of the Law Society of NSW, noted the release of the report and is looking forward to what flows from it. “As always, the Law Society is available to work closely with government as it considers its response…,” she says.

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP), which is the key representative organisation for general practice, also called on the NSW Government to “act decisively and transform alcohol and other drug policy to save lives.”

“This report lays out a roadmap for reform that could transform how the state tackles alcohol and other drug use,” says Dr Rebekah Hoffman, NSW and ACT Chair of RACGP.

“There is no point declaring a ‘war on drugs’. Alcohol and other drug use, including illicit drugs, impacts almost every family and social network, and I don’t know how anyone can declare a war against their own loved ones,” she says.

The report found that effective, available and affordable treatment for people with substance use or dependence is imperative. On this point, Dr Hoffman says, “I couldn’t agree more.”

Dr Hoffman says that alcohol and other drug use should be perceived through a “health lens.”

“Overdose deaths and alcohol and drug-related harm don’t happen to ‘other people’, it could be your friend, partner, child, or colleague. At the end of the day – every life matters,” she says.