- Cook Government to provide funding to Shire of Broome for more patrols and to clean up needles on Broome streets
- A more comprehensive needle and syringe program to be established in Broome - including a needle exchange
- New and improved program focusses on harm reduction, intervention and referral to drug and alcohol treatment
- Additional disposal bins now available to reduce needle disposal in the community
The Cook Government will provide funding to the Shire of Broome to increase patrols and clean up needles on the streets, and a more comprehensive Needle and Syringe Program (NSEP) will be set up.
Broome Health Campus will be bolstered to deliver a more comprehensive service that now includes a needle exchange; disposal bins have also been increased to ensure needles are kept off the streets.
This work builds on the service's existing focus on harm reduction, intervention and referral to drug and alcohol treatment and support services and was informed by public health experts.
As part of the program, clean needles and syringes are always provided with a safe disposal container, and under no circumstances are syringes provided to children.
Needle and syringe exchange programs are important public health initiatives that reduce the transmission of blood-borne viruses, and promote education and help-seeking for those who are struggling with substance use.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"We have worked to address community concern and will support the Shire with more resources to enable the safe disposal of needles and prevent the risks of injuries.
"Needle and syringe programs are an important part of a community-wide approach to reduce harms from drug use - but I want to be clear that Fitpacks are not distributed to young children.
"We continue to provide resources on the ground in Broome to prevent and reduce harms from alcohol and other drug use, including a range of treatment and support programs and early intervention efforts."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"I welcome the Cook Government's action in this area after I raised my concerns with the Minister for Health.
"We want to work on a solution that supports the health and safety of our community in Broome.
"I will always do whatever it takes to support the Kimberley community."
