On the eve of the Sydney Drug Summit, and at Uniting’s Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) in Kings Cross – the key outcome of the 1999 Drug Summit’s main recommendation - several of the state’s key faith based Alcohol and Other Drug treatment (AOD) service providers will gather for a press conference to express their ardent desire for this event to produce genuine reforms and a guarantee that nothing be taken off the table.
In a joint statement the group has called on the Premier and his government to recognise the ongoing impact stigma has on people who use drugs; the difficulty many experience trying to access treatment; the increasing rates of overdose across the state and the systems and policies that disproportionately harm the most vulnerable in the community.
What: Press conference
When: Tuesday 3rd December – arr. 8.15am for 8.30am start
Where: Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC), 66 Darlinghurst Road (opp Kings Cross Train station)
Who:
- Emma Maiden - Uniting NSW.ACT
- Dr Marianne Jauncey - MSIC Medical Director
- Rev Stu Cameron - CEO Wesley Mission
- Andy Biddle - State Manager, AOD Services, The Salvation Army
- Jon Owen – Pastor and CEO Wayside Chapel
- Cara Varian – NCOSS CEO
Emma Maiden, General Manager of Advocacy and External Relations at Uniting NSW.ACT said: “The 2024 Drug Summit is a chance to dream big, just like we did in 1999. We must find solutions that combat stigma and treat people who use drugs as we would want our own children and family members to be treated.
“We want the Drug Summit to result in outcomes and solutions that are:
- evidence-based
- health-focused
- align with our values
- keep people safe
- do not perpetuate stigma but ensure the best outcomes for people, especially for families, young people, First Nations people, people experiencing disadvantage and rural and regional communities.
“We look forward to working with the New South Wales Government to make this happen.
“The outcomes we would like to see include:
- Greater investment in treatment and harm reduction services so that people can access the support they need when they seek it
- Dignifying, evidence based and health-focused responses to people’s substance use and dependency.”
We can arrange for reporters to speak with a person with lived experience of drug use who will be attending the Drug Summit.
Uniting NSW.ACT runs the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre and has spearheaded the Fair Treatment campaign for fairer drug laws for more than five years.
NOTE TO EDITORS: As MSIC functions as a daily service centre we must leave the building by 9.15am sharp to allow normal activities to commence at 9.30am. We would really appreciate your support and understanding regarding this.
About Uniting
Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT, through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We value diversity and always
Contact details:
Bronwen Reed / Jane Garcia
Uniting Media
0481 056 781 / 0432 750 661
Media Phone: 0457 568 938
breed@uniting.org / jgarcia@uniting.org
