New research reveals a worrying rise in drug and alcohol-related deaths in Western NSW, yet regional voices are still underrepresented in the Government’s hearings on the matter.

This year’s Drug Summits featured only two regional forums—Griffith on 1 November and Lismore on 4 November—while the final sessions will take place in Sydney on 4 and 5 December.

At the Lismore summit, the NSW Government announced they are committing $21 million over four years to enhance alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment and support for people in Northern NSW.

The funding includes $6.8 million for three new programs by the not-for-profit AOD and mental health organization, The Buttery, which is located near Bangalow.

So far, no new initiatives have been announced for the west of the state - despite latest data showing the region has the highest rate of drug-related deaths in New South Wales.

 Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said it was vital that government continue to support community organisations like The Buttery to help people achieve recovery and rebuild their lives.

“This funding will focus on increasing access to evidence-based treatment, prevention, and early intervention services especially in regional and rural areas,” Mr Park said.

“These new programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of people living in regional areas, and priority population groups including Aboriginal people, pregnant women, people with mental health conditions, young people, and people involved in the criminal justice system."

But where does that leave Western New South Wales?

Were the regions an afterthought?

NSW National Leader, Dugald Saunders told media he thought the regional aspect of the Drug Summits were "tacked on."

 "My first reaction was that it was slightly odd that there was only Griffith and Lismore were chosen for regional locations," he said.

"Like many other things we have seen recently, this government is not one that is based around regional needs."

The Drug Summit at Lismore was well attended, but did it do enough to represent issues from the Western Plains?

Greens MP and drug law reform and harm reduction spokesperson Cate Faehrmann attended the Lismore hearing of the drug summit and pushed for key drug law reform measures as well as investment that reflects the needs of regional New South Wales, including for specialist drug treatment services and detox facilities. 

 “If the government is genuine about saving lives it will be open to the recommendations arising from this inquiry and respond to the experts and the evidence,” Ms Faehrmann said.

"New South Wales is dragging its heels when it comes to implementing sensible measures to reduce the harm from drugs and save lives. 

“These new programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of people living in regional areas, and priority population groups including Aboriginal people, pregnant women, people with mental health conditions, young people, and people involved in the criminal justice system."

When faced with criticism of the location of the Drug Summits, Mr Park told media that “it is simply not possible you hold the summit in every region of the state.”

Have your say

While research is a critical component, there are many calls for treatment and recovery services to be available in western NSW.

The final part of the drug summit will take place in Sydney in Sydney on 4 and 5 December.

While the event is situated even further from the Western Plains, people can have their say on reducing drug-related harms and improving community health and wellbeing.

This can be done via a survey which must be completed today Sunday 17 November.  You have until 11.59pm to submit your comments.