The NSW Council for Civil Liberties (NSWCCL) commends the Minns Government for today’s announcement of the 2024 Drug Summit and 12 new drug and alcohol hubs across state.

The 1999 Drug Summit held by Labor remains a significant and defining moment for drug law reform in Australia and globally. The 2024 Drug Summit gives New South Wales another chance to lead the conversation about drug use and harm minimisation.

Comments from Lydia Shelly, President, NSW Council for Civil Liberties

“Bringing together people with lived experience, families, community and policy makers is a very powerful, positive thing to do. I commend the Premier for listening to the community and acting. This Summit is crucial for changing the demonisation of drug use and users and addressing the over-policing of minority populations. We know recreational use traverses all postcodes. The success of reform depends on changing the way we talk about drugs and those who use them.

A Drug Summit with a whole-of-government approach will be an opportunity to examine the structural reasons driving drug misuse and dependency. The intersections of social, economic, housing, and education policy are known contributors to drug misuse and dependency.

The Summit also creates the space to talk about recreational drug use. Criminalisation and stigmatisation have only led to a significant lack of credible information and communication, resulting in society's generally poor understanding of the effects different drugs have on the body, creating further risks to health.

NSW Drug Laws are currently unjust. We need to make life-saving changes that will keep people with health issues out of gaol. We need to have a conversation about cannabis law reform, drug decriminalisation and pill testing.

The NSW Council for Civil Liberties strongly supports the implementation of pill testing services as a vital lifesaving strategy. We hope that the Summit will provide a non-politicised space for a discussion about the evidence.

We know that pill testing provides individuals with critical information about the substances they intend to consume, enabling them to make informed and safer choices. Pill testing saves lives and the Summit is an ideal environment to have the conversation.

The NSWCCL looks forward to participating in this pivotal event and contributing to a constructive and inclusive dialogue aimed at meaningful reform and improved outcomes for all members of our community.”