The findings from the ice inquiry, which visited Moree last year, will be handed down this week.
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The four-volume report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into crystal methamphetamine and other amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) will be handed to the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC at Government House on Tuesday, January 28.
The Commissioner, Professor Dan Howard SC, thanked the many individuals who gave evidence, and the government agencies, non-government organisations, professional bodies and others that provided statements, submissions and information to the inquiry.
"I extend my sincere thanks to all those whose contributions informed the work of the inquiry, including the many people who generously shared their lived experiences of ATS use in the hope it would help others," he said.
"I also acknowledge the great assistance that the Inquiry received during our regional hearings in Lismore, Dubbo, Nowra, Broken Hill, East Maitland and Moree, and the courtesy and cooperation shown during the Inquiry's many site visits and other engagements.
"I am confident that the inquiry's recommendations provide an effective way forward for drug policy in NSW."
The inquiry held a public hearing at Moree Court House on August 15 and 16, during which time a number of health and youth workers and justice professionals provided evidence about the impacts of ice in Moree and the wider region.
READ MORE:
- Majority of people in custody in Moree on ice, inquiry hears
- Ice often the catalyst for crime, anti-social behaviour in Moree, inquiry hears
- Council calls for safe injecting, needle exchange facilities
- Aboriginal families reluctant to reveal drug use for fear children will be taken
- Moree ice inquiry told children as young as nine using the drug
- Custody often the only detox option for young ice users in Moree, inquiry hears
A particular focus of the Moree hearing was the impacts on children and young people and Indigenous communities, as well as access to treatment and support services in the region.
The hearing also looked into the impacts on local police and social and rehabilitation support services, and the opportunities to improve the response to and management of crystal methamphetamine and other ATS use in the Moree Plains Shire.
As it is not in the inquiry's power to make the report public, the Commissioner cannot comment on the inquiry's findings and recommendations.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the inquiry in November 2018 to investigate the nature, prevalence and impacts of ice and other ATS in NSW; the adequacy of current measures to target crystal methamphetamine and other illicit ATS; and options to strengthen NSW's response to crystal methamphetamine and other illicit ATS, including law enforcement, education, treatment and rehabilitation responses.
