The commissioner behind the state's recent ice inquiry has warned the delay on potential drug reform could cost lives and will only heighten the "personal suffering" felt in Wagga.
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Professor Dan Howard SC has criticised the Berejiklian government for having had "ample time" to respond to 104 of the 109 recommendations he made in January 2020.
The NSW government has already rejected five recommendations including drug decriminalisation, indicating it will maintain a tough stance in its "fight against illicit drugs".
Professor Howard in April 2019 visited Wagga where he heard from two of the city's drug treatment services as well as members of the Aboriginal community.
"There was a real sense of despair and almost being abandoned and not listened to ... They say they've heard it all before," he said.
"Support services are looking for clarity on the way forward. They run on the smell of an oily rag ... so much more needs to be done."
Wiradjuri Elder Uncle James Ingram said he was disappointed but not surprised by the government's delay.
"I've been in and out of Aboriginal politics since 1980. It's just all words. It's all bull---- as far as I'm concerned. They're not interested in helping the drug affected people in Wagga," he said.
A spokesman for the NSW government said it would formally respond to the rest of the report by mid-year.
"We remain committed to keeping our community safe and ensuring police have the tools they need," he said
Member for Wagga Joe McGirr said the delay was "extremely disappointing" but he was hoping for real progress for people struggling with substance use.
He supports the recommendation of a police diversion scheme that could use a "three strikes" approach to people caught in possession of prohibited drugs for personal use.
"You've got to have a health response to this. Above all, not only because it's important for those people who are suffering and their families, but because it gets the best results," he said.
Directions Health director of service delivery Stephanie Stephens, whose organisation runs harm reduction-focused treatment at Pathways Murrumbidgee, is hoping for more government support for a "health first" approach to drug use.
Ms Stephens said Pathways Murrumbidgee was at capacity caring for about 300 clients every six months.
"We'd like to be able to offer more support to more people being both people who are impacted themselves and their family and friends," she said.
Catie McLeod
Catie is a reporter at The Daily Advertiser covering health and Wagga City Council. You can contact her on c.mcleod@dailyadvertiser.com.au or 0475 819 651.
Catie is a reporter at The Daily Advertiser covering health and Wagga City Council. You can contact her on c.mcleod@dailyadvertiser.com.au or 0475 819 651.
