Advocates for evidence-based drug reform are gathering at NSW Parliament today to urge the NSW government to act on the clear recommendations of last year’s NSW Drug Summit and call for evidence-based reforms that will save lives and support communities.
The action is taking place today as part of the global ‘Support Don’t Punish Day’ day of action calling for drug policies based on health and human rights.
‘We invite you to join us once more in collective action to build sustainable alternatives to the “war on drugs”,’ say the group on their website.
The NSW event brings together advocates, faith leaders, community members and people with lived experience as well as Members of Parliament to remind the NSW government that quick and decisive action is needed to protect people across NSW.
‘Today is Support Don’t Punish Day, the Global Day of Action bringing organisations like ours together from around the world to oppose stigma and injustice, and call for changes to laws, policies and practices that are causing harm to people in our communities,’ said Emma Maiden, Uniting NSW.ACT’s Director of Advocacy and External Relations said.
‘Today at NSW Parliament we will reflect on how we are united in wanting reforms that will help keep people we love to be safe.’
Recently released results from the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare (AIHW) show that support for harm reduction across Australia has never been higher.
Dr Mary Harrod, CEO of NUAA (NSW Users and Aids Association (NUAA)) said, We all want to keep our communities, loved ones and ourselves safe.’
‘The most effective way to support people whose lives are affected by drug use is to invest in an evidence-based, whole of government response that appropriately resources harm reduction and treatment service and ensures we are creating an equitable service landscape across NSW,’ she said.
‘We remain hopeful that the NSW Summit recommendations will lead to a more equitable and more just future for people in NSW whose lives have been affected by drug use.’
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