The NSW Government welcomes the Report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug “Ice” and thanks the Commissioner, Professor Dan Howard SC, and his team for their extensive work.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the report’s 109 recommendations are being considered by the Government in consultation with stakeholders, except five recommendations the Government has already indicated it does not support.
Those five recommendations are:
- 51 – additional medically supervised injecting centres
- 53 & 54 – substance checking
- 80 – ceasing the use of drug detection dogs
- 97 – needle and syringe programs in correctional centres.
The report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug “Ice” puts forward a broad range of health, social and criminal justice issues, which require a whole-of-Government response across portfolios.
“The Government wishes to acknowledge all those with lived experience, their families and friends, along with the broad range of experts, health practitioners and service providers who contributed to the Special Commission,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The Government will consider the remaining recommendations from the Inquiry in consultation with stakeholders and will prepare a final response before the end of the year.”
The NSW Government’s interim response is now publically available online.
In 2019-20, the NSW Government is investing $231.6 million on preventing and treating harms associated with drug use and ensuring people have access to the care and support they need.
This includes the $11 million investment in 2015 over four years to specifically address the problem of crystalline methamphetamine ‘Ice’, with $7 million to enhance existing programs and establish new Stimulant Treatment Programs; and $4 million to purchase non-government treatment services in rural and regional NSW.
The Government already has a range of measures in place to address alcohol and other drug-related harm in NSW, including “Ice”, and remains committed to considering any further measures to reduce its use and impact on individuals, their families and the community.
The Special Commission’s report identifies that many of the initiatives already in place to deal with the use of alcohol and other drugs are working.
Please find the Special Commission of Inquiry Report and the Interim Government Response here: www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/iceinquiry