Uniting NSW.ACT welcomes today’s announcement by the NSW government that drug checking will be allowed at 15 music festivals across the state each year. We believe this is an important step towards a broader evidence-based approach to reducing harm.
If NSW is serious about making this life-saving intervention available to everyone who needs it, then drug checking through permanent community-based services must be made available.
Alice Salomon, Director Advocacy and External Relations at Uniting NSW.ACT said:
“Today’s announcement is a welcome start, and the NSW Government should be congratulated for taking this positive first step. Drug checking gives people potentially life-saving information and creates an important opportunity to connect them with trusted health advice and support.
“But people who use drugs, don’t only do so at music festivals. Access to proven harm reduction service shouldn’t depend on whether or not you can afford a festival ticket, where you live, or the circumstances in which you use drugs. Everyone person who uses drugs deserves access to the harm reduction services that will help keep them safe.
“Fixed-site, community-based drug checking would make this service available to many more people, including regional communities where we know there is both need and demand.
“At a time when drug overdose deaths are double the road death toll, proven harm reduction services need to be available as widely as possible.
Uniting is calling on the NSW Government to build on today’s announcement and commit to setting up fixed-site drug checking services in the community.
“We have previously offered to host drug checking at St Stephen’s Uniting Church – located directly opposite NSW Parliament House on Macquarie Street. The offer still stands,” said Alice Salomon.
Uniting NSW.ACT runs the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre and has spearheaded the Fair Treatment Campaign for fairer drug laws for over seven years.
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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 welcome everyone exactly as they are.
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Kathryn Lamond
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0424 465 464
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