Advocacy
NUAA has an important role to play in advocating for the rights, health and well-being of all drug users and people who are seeking treatment for drug use. Getting involved with this on any level, even if it’s just sharing your story, can help us make sure we don’t miss anything when representing you and defending your rights.
NUAA’s advocacy occurs through multiple channels:
NUAA sits on key committees within the NSW Ministry of Health such as the Hepatitis and HIV Strategies implementation committees, Drug and Alcohol Program Council. NUAA is a current member of about ten regularly occurring committees and a number of other time-limited committees.
NUAA actively contributes to NSW and Federal Inquiries into a range of issues
NUAA supports public events with staff speaking at a range of events including rallies, conferences, professional development meetings and more!
Some of our Submissions and other activities are linked below. If you would like to get involved in advocacy with NUAA contact us via the form on the main page and we will be in touch.
Submissions and related documents
NUAA frequently contributes to Government Inquiries. These submissions are ordered with the most recent submissions on top. Submissions were led by NUAA CEO Mary Ellen Harrod unless otherwise specified.
NUAA Submission on Mandatory Disease Testing Act 30 October 2023
Evaluation of the NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) Online Postal Take-Home Naloxone Service
We need drug checking now! (Open letter to Premier Chris Minns, launched 11 September 2023)
NSW State Election 2023: where do the parties stand? NUAA election scorecard
NUAA Submission to the TGA on Nitrous Oxide regulation (submission led by Kali Kanivale)
NUAA Submission to NSW Parliament on Mandatory Disease Testing (submission led by Kali Kanivale)
NUAA Appearance (Harrod) before the Regulation Committee, Music Festival Amdendment - transcript
Press/Opinion Pieces
NUAA has also published a number of opinion pieces with links included below. We have also been quoted or featured in articles published in a variety of media. Some of these pieces are linked below.