The NSW Drug Summit concluded on December 5th after an extensive consultation process spanning regional forums in Griffith and Lismore, followed by two days in Sydney. The summit brought together healthcare providers, community leaders, people with lived experience, and policymakers to address drug-related challenges.

Regional Insights

Griffith Forum
The sessions revealed significant concerns about the inequitable rollout of the Early Drug Diversion Initiative, with participants praising Canberra’s fixed-site drug checking service as a revolutionary model.

Lismore Perspectives
Discussions centred on post-flood trauma’s connection to substance use, with local services highlighting the urgent need for dual diagnosis treatment facilities. Community leaders emphasized the compounding effects of housing crisis and mental health challenges.

Working Group Recommendations

Safety and Justice

Youth and Family Support

Health and Support Services

Cultural Safety Concerns

The Equity and Inclusion working group highlighted significant gaps in representation:

Government Response

The NSW Government announced on December 19th that it will implement a $1 million, 12-month pill testing trial at music festivals starting in early 2025. This service will:

This announcement follows interim advice from the Drug Summit chairs, with Health Minister Ryan Park emphasizing that while “there are no silver bullets,” the government is committed to following expert advice to keep young people safe.

This update, along with the previously announced regional funding packages, demonstrates concrete outcomes emerging from the Summit:

Mission Australia has released the results of its annual Youth Survey, the largest survey of young people in Australia. There were 17,480 respondents to the survey, aged 15-19 years.

This year, the biggest issue for young people by far was cost of living, with more than half of young people (56%) identifying this as the top national issue. This was followed by climate change and the environment; violence, safety and crime; and discrimination and equality.

Alcohol and other drugs

A majority of young people believed that alcohol (55%) and drugs (64%) are a problem in Australia.

Overall, 18% reported that alcohol was a problem for their family or friends and 13% reported that drugs were a problem for family or friends.

One respondent noted, “ the challenge of staying away from drugs and alcohol and trying not to be peer pressured.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people identified alcohol and other drugs as the third-most important issue in Australia. 44% believed alcohol was a problem in their community, and 28% believed alcohol was a problem for their family and friends. This indicates that alcohol and drugs were viewed as a greater concern by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people than by the respondents as a whole.

The Youth Survey also asked young people where they accessed information about the risk of drugs and alcohol. Most said they accessed this information from teachers and schools (60%), via news or advertising (43%) and via social media (42%).

Knowing how young people are affected by alcohol and other drugs, and what they are seeing in their communities, is crucial to understanding how to best support them. The Youth Survey provides a valuable snapshot of what is important to young people, and the issues they are facing.

In December, six members of our Youth Advisory Group travelled to Triple Care Farm for an in-depth tour of the facilities and a day of workshops.

This was a rare chance for the Group to meet in person, as they live throughout Australia. Group members travelled from Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra to the Southern Highlands of NSW.

Program immersion

Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm Program Coordinator provided an intimate tour of the facilities, providing insights into the Farm’s comprehensive treatment approach, showcasing how young people are supported through:

“I have experience working in crisis mental health intervention and suicide intervention, and with these sorts of things it’s rarely a single-faceted issue; substance use often comes up,” reflects Group Chair Harry Waterworth. “There is a big culture of substance use in Australia, and I think it’s important that we get this right.”

Life-changing impact

Triple Care Farm’s proven track record demonstrates remarkable outcomes:

Peer-to-peer dialogue
The highlight of the visit was a candid conversation with current residents, who shared their personal recovery journeys and the program elements that proved most impactful in their transformation. For member Taeg Twist, these stories resonated deeply: “If things had turned out slightly different for me, if support systems weren’t as tight as they were, I could have easily fallen through the gaps. For me, it’s important that I go on to acknowledge that and create some change within that field.”

Looking forward

The day culminated in a dynamic workshop where Group members, each bringing distinct expertise and lived experience, collaborated on initiatives for the upcoming year. Their diverse perspectives and passionate exchange of ideas set a promising foundation for future advocacy work.

This visit marked a significant step in strengthening the connection between youth advocates and the vital work happening at Triple Care Farm, laying groundwork for even more impactful collaboration in 2025.You can find out more about the Youth Advisory Group here. 

Sir David Martin Foundation enthusiastically welcomes the announcement of the 2024 NSW Drug Summit. This pivotal event, scheduled for October in regional NSW and December 4-5 in Sydney, represents a crucial opportunity to address the pressing issue of youth addiction in our communities.

As a family foundation dedicated to helping young people in crisis, we believe this summit is a vital step towards developing more effective, compassionate approaches to youth addiction treatment and prevention. The event’s focus on bringing together policymakers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and individuals with lived experience is in alignment with our mission to enable best practice models of treatment for youth drug and alcohol addiction.

Sir David Martin Foundation has been at the forefront of supporting youth-specific addiction treatment for over three decades. Our funding of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm, which includes residential Withdrawal, residential Rehabilitation, and Aftercare programs, has demonstrated the effectiveness of tailored approaches for young people aged 16-24.

As we approach this important event, Sir David Martin Foundation looks forward to collaborating with other stakeholders to support the development of comprehensive, evidence-based solutions that prioritise the health and well-being of young Australians affected by drug and alcohol addiction.

By working together, we can create lasting positive change and offer safety, hope, and opportunity to vulnerable young people across NSW. This summit is an important step towards that goal.

Sir David Martin Foundation is proud to announce our partnership with the Fair Treatment campaign, joining over 70 organisations in calling for a more compassionate and evidence-based approach to drug policy in Australia.

As a foundation dedicated to helping young people experiencing drug and alcohol addiction, we recognise the critical need for reform in how our society addresses substance use issues. The Fair Treatment campaign, led by the Uniting Church and Uniting, aligns closely with our vision of safety, hope, and opportunity for vulnerable young Australians.

By joining Fair Treatment, we are advocating for two key reforms:

  1. Law reform for a primary health-response to personal possession of currently illicit drugs or “decriminalisation” and;
  2. More funding for alcohol and other drug treatment services.

These evidence-based policy changes have the potential to significantly reduce the harm caused by current punitive approaches while expanding access to life-saving treatment and support services for those struggling with addiction.

Our experience funding youth-specific addiction treatment programs has shown us the transformative power of compassionate, health-focused interventions. We believe that by treating drug use as a health issue rather than a criminal one, we can better support young people on their journey to recovery and reduce the devastating cycle of addiction and incarceration.

Sir David Martin Foundation is committed to destigmatising youth addiction and breaking down barriers that prevent young people from seeking help. Our participation in the Fair Treatment campaign represents another step forward in our advocacy efforts to create lasting positive change for vulnerable youth across Australia.

We look forward to collaborating with our fellow campaign partners to advance these crucial reforms and build a more just and effective approach to drug policy in our nation.

In light of the recent World Overdose Awareness Day, Penington Institute has released Australia’s Annual Overdose Report which has brought attention to the devastating and ever-growing overdose crisis in Australia. The report revealed a dire milestone—42,000 overdose deaths since 2000, with the numbers rising year by year . The report also revealed that in recent years unintentional drug induced deaths increased 25% for those ages 0-19 years . While we reflect on these figures it is important to remember that each statistic represents a person with unique lived experience and whose loss of life will have a lasting impact on the loved ones they left behind.

At Sir David Martin Foundation, we are acutely aware of how addiction can overwhelm lives, particularly among young Australians. Programs like Triple Care Farm, address the root causes of addiction and provide the treatment and support young people need to rebuild their futures. With over 70% of overdose deaths involving multiple substances, it is vital that those on their recovery journey have access to ongoing support . Triple Care Farm’s holistic approach to recovery provides a safe space for young people to withdraw, rehabilitate and transition back into the community through Aftercare. This ensures young people have the opportunity to get well and stay well.   

Unintentional drug-induced deaths are not evenly distributed throughout our communities as Australia’s most vulnerable people are often overrepresented year after year. The Penington report reveals how Indigenous Australians rate of unintentional drug-induced deaths was 23.3 per 100,000 population, compared with 6.1 for non-Indigenous people . The report also highlights the growing issue of overdose in regional and rural communities, where access to services and support is more limited. In recent years these regions now report a higher rate of drug induced deaths than capital cities, reflecting a critical gap in health care and addiction services .

The findings of the Penington Institute report serve as a stark reminder of the importance of continuing support of those living with addiction and expanding access to life-saving services. The release of this report on World Overdose Day encourages us to remember those who have lost their lives and to reaffirm our commitment to funding best practice models of treatment for youth addiction and preventing future overdose deaths.
 

References

  1. Penington Institute (2024). Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2024. Melbourne: Penington Institute, 3
  2. https://www.penington.org.au/australias-annual-overdose-report-2024/
  3. Penington Institute (2024). Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2024. Melbourne: Penington Institute, 54
  4. Penington Institute (2024). Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2024. Melbourne: Penington Institute, 3
  5. Penington Institute (2024). Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2024. Melbourne: Penington Institute, 3

 

A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare provides an illuminating snapshot into cannabis, Australia’s most popular illegal drug. 

It reveals around 2.5 million people used cannabis in the previous 12 months in 2022-23. Cannabis also dominates Australia’s illegal drug market and accounted for over 1 in 2 illegal drug seizures in 2020-2021.  

Not everyone who uses cannabis experiences adverse effects, but sustained use can lead to dependence and have adverse psychological consequences. The report indicates that around 1 in 5 people who use cannabis were identified as having moderate or high-risk cannabis use, and 1 in 10 reported that they could not cut down their cannabis use even if they wanted to. 

Notably, young people aged 14-19 were disproportionately affected by high-risk use, as were females and those with a mental illness diagnosis. People under 30 were also more likely to have recently used cannabis than those in older age groups.  

This report provides a vital glimpse into Australia’s cannabis use. By seeing who is most at risk of harmful use, we can better reach out to help those who may be affected.  

The full report is available on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website. 

If you or someone you know needs help with substance use, call the Alcohol and Other Drugs Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015.

Twice as many young people have received Aftercare across Australia in the first twelve months of Youth Network. 

Aftercare is an evidence-based six-month wraparound support program to help young people transition safely back in the community after completing residential treatment programs. This vital program helps break the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction and connects more young people with community, housing, education and employment pathways.

Youth Network, an initiative by Sir David Martin Foundation, is an expansion of Aftercare which was driven by high demand and unmet need to help vulnerable young people with drug and alcohol addiction.

Thanks to our generous donors and in partnership with Mission Australia, we expanded Aftercare nationally to four youth Residential Rehabilitation sites in Perth, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo and Batemans Bay.

Results in the first 12 months from this expansion include:

All the young people we supported in the first 12 months continue to make real and lasting change – majority have reported a reduction in chronic substance misuse, 62% showed a reduction in mental health concerns, 89% had access to safe and stable housing and 68% were engaged with education or employment pathways.

An independent evaluator is working across all sites to assess the impact and efficacy of the network over a three-year period.

Results: January 2023 – December 2023

Number of young people helped

Improved health and wellbeing

Safe and stable housing

Education and employment

 

Sir David Martin Foundation thanks Mission Australia, our service partner. Mission Australia owns and runs Triple Care Farm and delivers the Aftercare programs for Youth Network. 

 

*Mission Australia ceased providing residential services in Coffs Harbour at Junaa Buwa! after 12 years, in June 2023, due to a change in Government contract, and were therefore only a part of the Youth Network for the first 6 months.

The latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey has just been released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. This report, released every three years, explores Australians’ use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs. The report provides insight into young people’s use of alcohol and other drugs. 

While historically men have been more likely to use illicit drugs, the survey revealed that for the first time young women aged 18-24 were as likely to use illicit drugs as young men of the same age. In 2022-23, 35% of females aged 18-24 reported recent use of illicit drugs, up from around 27% in 2019, while recent use among young men remained stable at 35%.  

Risky alcohol consumption also increased among young women, narrowing the gap between men and women in this age group. In 2019, males aged 18-24 were much more likely to consume alcohol at risky levels than females of the same age, with 47% of males compared to 35% of females. However, in 2022-23, 45% of males consumed alcohol at risky levels compared to 40% of females, the smallest gap seen since 2001.  

The 2022-2023 survey analysed trends in vaping for the first time. Interestingly, it also shows that while tobacco use has fallen among young people, vaping is more widespread, with 49% of young people aged 18-24 reporting they had tried an e-cigarette in their lifetime. This makes them the age group where vaping is most common. 

The full report provides a detailed and insightful picture of how Australians are using alcohol and other drugs, who is most at risk, and what the impact on young people is. 

  

Read the full report at www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about. 

Mission Australia’s annual Youth Survey has been released, revealing that the biggest issues for young people are the environment, equity and discrimination, the economy, and mental health. 

This is the largest survey of young people in Australia, with 19,501 young people aged 15 to 19 participating.  

Helen Connealy, CEO of Sir David Martin Foundation, congratulated Mission Australia on the 2023 survey.  

“To help young people in crisis, we need to know what issues are affecting them. The Youth Survey gives us such unique and valuable insight into what matters to young people. We are so proud to partner with Mission Australia to support young people when they need it most,” she said. 

At a glance

Mental health, alcohol and drugs

Alcohol and drug use affected a smaller number of young people but was still noted as a significant issue. Over 1 in 10 young people cited alcohol and other drugs as one of the most important issues in Australia today (12.1%).  

Amplifying the voices of young people 

Sir David Martin Foundation supports services that meet young people where they are and give them the help they need.  

The Youth Survey is a unique opportunity to hear the issues that are most important to young people so that we can better help them when they need it. By listening to the issues they are concerned about and amplifying their voices we hope to ensure their valuable input is not forgotten. 

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