Thursday, 5 December 2024
NCOSS has called on the NSW Premier to implement a whole-of-government drug and alcohol strategy after the two-day Drug Summit wrapped up this afternoon.
NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said there was robust discussion across the Summit, but the Government now needs to turn this into action.
“This Summit brought together a broad group of stakeholders, and we had some productive discussions – but it can’t stop there,” Ms Varian said.
“It was clear that we are failing our most marginalised communities, including first nations people, young people and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. People, their families and their communities must be at the core of the Government’s response.
“NCOSS and its members have long advocated for a whole-of-government drug and alcohol strategy that deals with the gaps in the system.
“This means bringing together the health, social service and legal perspectives, so all parts of our system support those who need help from start, to finish.”
Ms Varian said her members are facing critical funding shortages and record high numbers of demand.
“Our members are being forced to turn away people from their services due to chronic underfunding,” Ms Varian said.
“This is despite a sustained increase in demand for support, and strong evidence that their services work.
“The lack of early intervention services means our members are quite literally on the street intercepting young people from being recruited to use drugs, or deal drugs.
“If the Government wants to shift the dial on these issues, it needs to support the service providers on the frontline doing incredible work.
“I call on the Minns Government to not just listen, but to act. And they must do so quickly.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Billy Briggs | 0474 697 235 | billy.briggs@h-advisors.global
