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H RV I C C A LL S O N
TH E V I C TO R I A N
G OV E R N M E NT TO: 2

•E S TA B L I S H A N EED L E A N D
S Y R I N G E P RO G R A M I N A L L
VI C TO RIAN G OVERN M EN T
CO R R EC T I O N C EN T R E S;
•CO MMISS I O N A N
I N D EP EN D EN T E VA LUAT I O N
O F T H E N EED L E A N D S Y R I N G E
P ROG R AM .

REVIEWING THE
EFFE CTIVENESS OF
VICT ORIAN
GO VERNMENT
INVESTMENT INT O

ILLICIT DR UG
SUPPLY REDUCTION,
DEMAND REDUCTION
AND

attempt to set up a prison NSP in chances of inmates seeking HARM REDUCTION
Australia, saying that providing support for drug use issues, because STRATE GIES AND
needles to inmates creates a risk it provides a point of contact PR OGRAMS;
to the safety of the guards. While between inmates and health
this seems somewhat reasonable, services. It also ignores the fact

25 years of prison NSPs overseas that, under the existing regime,
has not seen any increase of injecting drug use exists anyway, in
violence against other inmates a form that is far more harmful and
or guards. costly than is necessary.

Also, in the current system, where Australia used to be the world
inmates are forced to smuggle leader when it came to reducing
and share contraband needles, drug related harm.
there is no way to protect guards
from needlestick injuries during
searches. Under a regulated NSP Currently, our approach to
system, every needle could be NSPs in prison is a gaping hole
accounted for and stored properly. in our otherwise excellent Drug
management of BBVs. It is time
It would actually make guards safer
to have a regulated NSP instead of for the debates to be settled,
the existing underground system. the evidence from 25 years
of overseas experience to be Checking
Another objection is that these weighed, and for prison NSPs to
programs sanction or even be established so that everyone
encourages continued drug use can benefit.
among inmates. This ignores the (Pill Testing)
fact that NSPs actually increase the

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WHACK35_LYOT.indd 45 11-Oct-16 4:25:28 PM