News

Media release: New data from peak body shows huge waitlist for alcohol and drug treatment, calls for action at Sydney drug summit

3 December 2024
The Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA) has released new waitlist data for individuals looking to access alcohol and other drug (AOD) services provided by NGOs.
On any given day during the week of 23–27 September 2024, 1,819 people were on waitlists for NGO-provided AOD treatment services. This number climbs to 2,667 when accounting for individuals on multiple waitlists for various service types.

NADA has called on the NSW Government to seize the opportunity presented by the upcoming Sydney Drug Summit (4 and 5 December) to enact meaningful drug and alcohol reform.
Dr Robert Stirling, NADA CEO, said the Government cannot afford to wait months to receive a report before it takes action.

“My chief concern is that we will see a repeat of the NSW Ice Inquiry, where a report is drafted, handed down, but reform does not eventuate,” Dr Stirling said.

Download this media release [PDF]

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The Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA) is the peak organisation for non-government alcohol and other drug services in NSW.

Advocacy is one of our primary roles. To see our policy and advocacy updates, click here.

We provide expert commentary on alcohol and other drug issues, policy and research. We also speak to the needs of our membership in delivering effective and evidence based services to the communities they serve.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Robert Stirling
Dr Robert Stirling
Chief Executive Officer
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Phone 0421 647 099