The New South Wales (NSW) Drug Summit, held in the first week of November and December in the state of NSW, Australia, promised to be an opportunity for state-level discussions on necessary drug policy changes to keep communities safe. The Summit, which had been an election commitment from the governing Labor Party, brought together policymakers, experts and people impacted by drug-related harms, focusing on improving health and justice outcomes, emphasising equity, inclusion and respect, as well as keeping young people and families safe. Several regional-level discussions happened in Griffith and Lismore along with an online survey, informing a larger meeting that occurred in Sydney.
As Harm Reduction Australia (HRA), we have been actively involved in advocating for evidence-based drug policies that prioritise health and human rights. Our Executive Director, Annie Madden, and President, Gino Vumbaca, have consistently emphasised the need for pragmatic approaches to drug-related issues in Australia.
Although we harboured reservations about the process and outcomes of the NSW Drug Summit, we attended and participated in good faith and spoke publicly about our hopes for this event. Unfortunately, we were deeply disappointed at what occurred.
A lack of transparency and planning
The event was clearly marred by a lack of transparency and planning. The “where, when, how, and who” remained vague, and the summit’s execution reflected this confusion. Critical voices—Aboriginal people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, queer people, disabled people, young people, and those with living (not just lived) experience—were glaringly absent from the majority of panels and platforms that informed decision-making.
The lack of representation reached its height when it was pointed out, on day one, of the Sydney summit that not a single Aboriginal person was represented on the opening panel. The rushed, tokenistic effort to get someone on stage to fix this simply highlighted the embarrassing omission. The exclusion of marginalised voices continued throughout the summit which was in stark contrast to the very essence of harm reduction: respect, inclusion, and equity.
When youth delegates finally had their chance to address the minister for 30 minutes, their experience was very underwhelming, with delegates feeling disrespected and disregarded, as reported on other outlets.
The media conference given by the NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister Ryan Park during the summit stated that there was no mandate for decriminalisation, while delegates inside were advised to consider all evidence-based solutions. This raised legitimate concerns as to whether the summit was ever intended to be an open, inclusive, and truly effective dialogue for progress.
The presentations from many invited speakers perpetuated the same tired narrative that people who use drugs are “afflicted” and needed to be “redeemed” – a view that was endorsed by NSW Premier Chris Minns in the plenary discussions.
By day two, the reality that the government was unlikely to implement any meaningful reforms set in, creating a high level of frustration amongst delegates. As a result, the final session where recommendations were presented was not received well by delegates, and discussions became increasingly tense.
Yet another talkfest
HRA wants to express its deepest gratitude and respect to delegates who stood their ground and rejected the Summit’s recommendations, failing to reflect the voices of the community, particularly those within the “equity, respect and inclusion” panel.
The NSW Drug Summit could have been a turning point—a moment to embrace evidence-based policies and to listen to those on the frontlines. Instead, it became yet another talkfest with limited hope for real reform. HRA will continue to push for meaningful, transformative change. Our obligation is to the communities who have been ignored for far too long not political machinations.
However, after continual pressure from HRA and others, we do welcome the news announced that a 12-month pill testing trial will commence in NSW in 2025. But until decriminalisation occurs, the ongoing criminalisation of drug users will continue to exacerbate avoidable harms.
In conclusion, HRA urges policymakers to act swiftly in adopting all evidence-based harm reduction measures. The health and well-being of our communities depend on the implementation of policies that prioritize safety, dignity, and support for individuals who use drugs.
*Note: TalkingDrugs reached out to Minister Ryan Park for comment on this story. Below was a response from Park’s spokesperson:
“The Drug Summit provided a once in a generation opportunity to listen to a diverse range of views and experiences, and while we don’t expect everyone to agree with each other– we do expect every voice to be heard and listened to.
Realistically, we won’t be able to adopt every single idea, but each idea will be considered on its merits – broad consensus is the best way to deliver sustainable reform.
With music festival season upon us, Minister Park asked the co-chairs to provide interim advice to government ahead of their final report from the summit due early next year. Based on this advice we will embark on a limited trial of pill testing based at music festivals.”
