The state’s approach to drug use doesn’t keep people safe and needs an overhaul. Recreational users are taking greater risks to avoid criminalisation and regular users are crowding courts and prisons while missing out on the healthcare they need.

In Parliament I asked the government to provide information about its promised drug summit. A summit would be held in Parliament this term and provide an opportunity for experts and those with lived experience to present solutions to members. The successful Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Kings Cross was a product of the 1999 drug summit.

The health minister promised that the summit will consider a broad scope of issues including legal, law enforcement, education, health and treatment.

I will continue to work with the government and the drug and alcohol sector to ensure it is a success and builds on the work of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug Ice, which made important recommendations including decriminalisation and investment in diversion programs.

My question and the minister’s response > HERE