(Community Recognition Statement, Tuesday 4 May, Legislative Assembly NSW Parliament) 

On behalf of the Sydney electorate, I wish to recognise the Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) in Kings Cross on their 20th anniversary.

Opening on 6 May 2001, this was the first service of its kind in the southern hemisphere and was a major practical outcome from the 1999 Drug Summit. This pioneering facility has consistently provided life-changing care to vulnerable members of our community. MSIC staff provide a therapeutic service for people who are often stigmatised, saving lives and giving marginalised drug users a gateway to safety, while keeping injecting off the streets and improving local amenity. Over the 20 years, this means 1.2 million safe injections, over 10,000 overdoses managed without a single death and nearly 19,000 people helped into treatment. Uniting MSIC has also played a crucial role in advocating for sensible drug law reform to reduce harm and help those with drug problems. Most recently, director Dr Marianne Jauncey moderated a panel discussion with the NSW Bar Association in NSW Parliament about the 'Fair Treatment' campaign. I congratulate the Uniting MSIC on this historic occasion in acknowledgement of their holistic lifesaving support provided with dignity and respect.