Time for Change Survey and Report

18 Some respondents mentioned what harm reduction programs should look like, and spoke to the importance of considering the needs of priority populations in harm reduction provision: “Harm reduction approaches should be collaborative across service providers. They should also be critically reflective, intersectional and holistic in their approach and delivery. Harm reduction services should not be a black and white alternative to the m edical model” “Funding for priority populations to have community controlled peer harm reduction programs is essential - eg. for LGBTQ+ communities, First Nations communities etc.” Other people commented on the need for harm reduction education and programs for youth: “[We need] more access to harm reduction in schools or for adolescents. not just based in the adult system.” “[We need] harm reduction interventions appropriate for schools and health education apps accessible for people who use drugs to support informed decision making.” Another respondent spoke to the need for “immediate, substantial investment in addressing the drivers of drug harms”: “This includes addressing housing and homelessness, increasing free and accessible health care (including dental and mental health), and fully funding the public school system to the SRS minimum. There should be an overhaul of the welfare system to make su re the needs of those with the least in our society are fully looked after.” Recommendation #1 We recommend that all Australian governments increase funding for harm reduction and reinvest law enforcement resources allocated to enforcing drug use into evidence-based harm reduction programs and practices that focus on community care. Fixed site and mobile drug checking Drug checking programs at music events and fixed sites in Australia are also strongly supported (94.1% agree/strongly agree). Drug checking/pill testing involves testing a small amount of someone's drug (e.g., MDMA) to check if it is what they think it is, or whether it contains dangerous or unknown substances. This allows people accessing these services to make more informed choices and reduces drug-related harms. One respondent highlighted the importance of these services while also noting legal repercussions as a potential barrier to access: “People should feel safe to access drug testing facilities without the threat of law enforcement”