The Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA) has welcomed the NSW Drug Summit Report handed to the NSW Government today and urged the Government to respond swiftly.
"The NSW Government now has the mandate they said they needed to make change – now we need to see action," said Dr Robert Stirling, CEO of NADA.
"We would like to thank the Co-Chairs, Carmel Tebbutt and John Brogden AM, for handing down this comprehensive report following the Summit which canvassed a variety of ways to improve drug policy in NSW.
"There are no big surprises in the report which is pleasing to see, and the sector is united on much of what is covered.
"However, we note that many of the 56 priority actions were already covered in the 'Ice Inquiry' Report, and it's time to get on with meaningful reform.
"We hope that the NSW Government will prioritise the whole-of-government alcohol and other drug strategy. This must bring together the alcohol and other drug sector, along with culturally diverse communities, other health services, law enforcement, and social services to work together to better support people."
Before the Summit, NADA released data which revealed that more than 1,800 people were on the waitlist for treatment services. Dr Stirling said the Government must immediately respond to the priority, 'Significantly increase funding for alcohol and other drugs services to address unmet need and client complexity. Funding increases should commence within six months.'
"We don't need to wait for the Government response to this Report. We know that we need to increase funding to alcohol and other drug services to improve access and respond to complex presentations," Dr Stirling said.
"The NSW Government can act immediately by allocating more funding in the upcoming Budget.
"NADA supports the 56 priority actions and stands ready to work with the NSW Government to expedite development of a 10-year plan to improve drug policy and ensure that the people of NSW can access treatment and support when and where they need it."
