The NSW Drug Summit held in 2024 has delivered its Report, calling for urgent reform and swift action from the government to integrate mental health and drug services, and address the complex needs of communities impacted by substance use. 

Built on the recommendations of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’, the 2024 NSW Drug Summit forums were held across November and December in Griffith, Lismore and Sydney, with the aim to improve the health and wellbeing of communities and people impacted by drugs. The Summit brought together a diverse group of participants, including families, Aboriginal leaders, justice officials, and frontline workers with expertise in health, policy, and lived experience. Representatives from across the political spectrum were present, while public engagement was strong, with more than 3,600 responses submitted through the ‘Have your say’ portal and over 80 detailed submissions from individuals and organisations.

Mental Health Coordinating Council attended the Summit in Sydney on 4-5 December, and we are encouraged to see the Report on the 2024 NSW Drug Summit recommendations include key initiatives that aim to integrate mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) services and provide holistic support to people experiencing diverse coexisting challenges and psychosocial difficulties.

The Report, prepared by Summit co-chairs, former MHCC CEO Carmel Tebbutt and John Brogden, stated that “the sheer breadth and number of recommendations requires us to identify priorities. In doing so, we have chosen actions that we ask the government act on swiftly.” They highlight where funding, policy, and legislative changes are necessary and can be actioned over one to two years.

Mental Health Coordinating Council is pleased to see critical recommendations align with our election advocacy priorities for the community-based mental health sector include improving system access, integration and service coordination to ensure safe transitions between service systems. Additionally, providing access to specialist mental health services in all publicly funded residential rehabilitation settings for people with co-occurring needs.

Key priorities to highlight include:

• Priority 1.3, 1.4 for better engagement with communities and their leaders on how to best implement evidence-based treatments to reduce drug-related harms and enhance community awareness and acceptability of drug use as a health issue. An important recommendation to address criticism during the Summit on the lack of diversity inclusion.
• Priority 2.2 providing 5-year funding contracts for non-government service providers that include cost escalation and support for service evaluation and aligned contract conditions, where possible, to improve service stability and workforce retention.
• Priority 3.2 on the need to provide safer and more affordable housing through increased investment in public and social housing, including support for transitional housing, and prioritising Housing First models. This supports MHCC’s advocacy in addressing the social determinants of health.
• Priority 3.4 on greater access to cross-sector training including AOD, child protection, mental health, and domestic and family violence sectors.
• Priority 4.1 on AOD education and training that is trauma-informed, addresses stigma and discrimination.
• Priority 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 on youth specific services and the need to address complex needs using flexible approaches and access points.
• Priority 7.2 on Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing and cultural safety and improving practice approaches by embedding trauma-informed care and practice, which is crucial for supporting First Nations communities impacted by substance use.
• Priority 8.3 on expanding the peer workforce across AOD services, including Aboriginal peers.
• Priority 8.5 providing appropriate supervision and supports to strengthen frontline staff capability and wellbeing.

Congratulations to Carmel and John on their comprehensive report and recommendations. We urge the sector to support advocacy efforts calling on Government to take swift action and make these long overdue reforms a reality.