The NSW Government‘s pivotal drug summit is set to deliver their report as leaders commit to “no guard rails” to address drug reform and for those pursuing meaningful change throughout the state. Co-chaired by former Labor deputy Carmel Tebutt and John Brogden, the summit first started in Griffith and Lismore in November and concludes with it’s fourth session in Sydney this Thursday.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has emphasised the that the forthcoming report from Tebbutt and Brogden faces no restrictions.
“They’ve been given no limitations,” Mr Park said.
“They’ve been given no set agenda. While there are things that we will agree and not agree on — absolutely — that report will be handed to government in a faithful way.
“The government will then, across its portfolios and ministers engage, review and report back, importantly, in a very timely manner.”
NSW Drug Summit report addressing drug reforms to be publicly released
Minister Park confirmed that the report will be released to the public, acknowledging how the summit has reshaped his own views.
“Each of the days I’ve left … thinking, ‘What have I learned? What have I been challenged? What do I need to think about going forward?’,” Mr. Park said.
“And I hope over the next six hours each of you continue in that spirit.
Encouraging his fellow officials to embrace the same spirit of openness, Park added “that is how we truly reform and how we truly serve the communities and the people of NSW in a way that we’re all passionate about doing in our respective roles.”
Park said the issue as one that plagues entire communities and his own views as parent, “see(ing) (drug use as) an issue at every corner”.
NSW Health Minister champions youth for their “critical voice” in shaping drug reform
Park also addressed opposing views and underscored the vital role of young people in shaping effective drug policies after speaking with a few yesterday.
“Your voice is critical, because in many ways, you are what we are all here for,” Park added, urging them to share their perspectives with members of Parliament.
He thanked them for attending and challenging his understanding of drug use.
“They don’t always see that through a frame of problem and problematic behaviour. And I say to those young people, thank you for challenging me,” Park said.
Pill testing hotly debated issue at 2024 summit
The summit has also ignited debates about pill testing. With Victoria preparing to trial pill testing at the Beyond Valley following the success of trials in the ACT and Queensland, pressure mounts further on NSW to adopt similar measures to reduce harm. As the summit concludes, all eyes are on how the government will act on the report’s findings and its potential to transform drug policies across the state.
