The NSW Government will hold a multi-day summit that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of communities and people impacted by drugs.
Have your say
Friday 1 November 2024
Monday 4 November 2024
Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 December 2024
The NSW Government made an election commitment to hold a drug summit in its first term to build consensus on the way NSW deals with drug related harms.
The summit will bring together health experts, police, people with lived and living experiences, drug user organisations, families and other stakeholders to provide a range of perspectives. It will build on the Government’s commitment to better health outcomes for people impacted by drugs.
The summit will include two days of regional forums – Griffith on 1 November, and Lismore on 4 November – and two days in Sydney on 4 and 5 December.
The regional forums will provide a dedicated space to ensure the unique and valuable experiences and perspectives of people in regional NSW are heard.
The summit will focus on:
While attendance at the summit is by invitation only, participants will represent a broad range of interests and perspectives including community (families, carers and people with lived and living experiences), non-government organisations, support organisations, clinical experts, NSW Police, Communities and Justice, and other government departments.
In the lead up to the summit NSW Health will also engage with a variety of stakeholders to ensure diverse perspectives and views are heard.
The summit will be co-chaired by Carmel Tebbutt and John Brogden.
A former NSW Deputy Premier and Minister, Carmel Tebbutt has made a significant contribution to public policy during her parliamentary career and more recently in CEO roles in the non-government sector.
Carmel was a member of the NSW Parliament for 17 years, including 11 years holding key ministerial portfolios in health, education, and community services. She has deep knowledge of the mental health and alcohol and other drug sectors, serving as the former CEO of the Mental Health Coordinating Council and the current CEO of Odyssey House NSW, one of the state's leading drug and alcohol rehabilitation services.
Carmel understands the impact harmful drug use can have on individuals, families and communities and the need for intervening early, integrating services and reducing stigma. Her extensive experience continues to drive impactful advancements in public health and drug policy.
Having actively participated in the 1999 Drug Summit, Carmel is excited about the opportunity to bring together people with different experiences and expertise to develop evidence-based and compassionate reforms.
John Brogden is a Chairman, Non-Executive Director, Executive and former Member of Parliament with more than 30 years’ experience in business, the public sector, professional and not-for-profit organisations.
From 1996 to 2005, John was the Member for Pittwater in the NSW Parliament and was Leader of the Opposition for over 3 years. After Parliament, his executive roles have included CEO of Manchester Unity, the Financial Services Council, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and Landcom.
John is a leading Australian and international suicide prevention advocate and campaigner for suicide decriminalisation. John is Honorary President of LifeLine International and was the Chair of Lifeline Australia for 10 years.
He is currently the Chair of AusPayNet and the Chair of Advisory Board of the Urban Property Group.
He holds a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) from the University of Sydney, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD) and is a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
NSW community members are encouraged to have input into the Drug Summit by sharing their experiences, concerns and suggested solutions through the NSW Government’s Have your say platform.
Further details on speakers and schedules will be available in coming weeks.
For general or media enquiries, email MOH-NSWDS2024@health.nsw.gov.au. Please include your name and contact information in your message.
