MEDIA RELEASE: 23 September 2022
The Buttery, a well-established, not-for-profit mental health and specialist drug and alcohol organisation in Northern NSW, welcomes the NSW Government’s response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’.
The Buttery Chief Executive Officer Leone Crayden commented that while the NSW Government response is positive, the increased use of methamphetamine is concerning.
“The Buttery is pleased that the NSW Government has finally released an official response supporting 86 of the 109 recommendations and noting a further 14 recommendations. Although, the use of methamphetamine by people seeking treatment has more than doubled from 12% to 24% in the 31 months since the Interim NSW Government response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug Ice,” Ms Crayden commented.
Ms Crayden noted that while the NSW Government’s response focuses on a health response, it doesn’t decriminalise low-level personal drug use.
“We hope the $141 million funding announcement to expand justice initiatives will help make communities safer by prioritising offenders with intensive health intervention and address underlying causes of offending as a priority.”
Ms Crayden commented that people seeking support, particularly from the non-government sector, are subject to extensive waiting times for residential and community outreach programs including counselling, family support and day rehabilitation programs.
“The Buttery welcomes a coordinated approach to the new Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy with the non-government sector. The Buttery brings 50 years of specialist expertise in mental health and drug and alcohol support to the table. We hope that the half-a-billion package announced by NSW Government will address the critical needs of the sector to provide urgent treatment and support options,” Ms Crayden said.
ENDS
Media interviews: Leone Crayden, Chief Executive Officer, The Buttery 0428 969 069 or email [email protected]
Media contact: Karen Farrell 0448 194 488.
