❓ Opposition questions the Health Minister about alleged mismanagement in the Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) and increased fitpack distribution. Minister denies widespread mismanagement, addresses litter concerns, and defends the harm-minimisation program.
AnsweredQoN 643Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
FITPACKS — NEEDLE AND SYRINGE PROGRAM
643. Ms L. METTAM to the Minister for Health:
I have a supplementary question.
What
level of systemic mismanagement is occurring in our communities such that we
are seeing such spiralling and extraordinary rates of the provision of
these fitpacks, as well as such disturbing reports as presented in the media?
Several members interjected.
643. Ms L. METTAM to the Minister for Health:
I have a supplementary question.
What
level of systemic mismanagement is occurring in our communities such that we
are seeing such spiralling and extraordinary rates of the provision of
these fitpacks, as well as such disturbing reports as presented in the media?
Several members interjected.
AnswerView source ↗
As I have said previously, not all
reports are true.
Ms L. Mettam : So you're
denying it.
Ms A. SANDERSON : Not all
reports are true.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Members,
you have asked the question. Listen to the response, please.
Ms A. SANDERSON : Broome
Hospital, where the claims were generated, has immediately reviewed all the
information and data that it has, including speaking to the team that engages
in this important harm minimisation, and there is no evidence to suggest that
that is the case. I am happy to organise a briefing for the member, who never
ever seeks more information or to find out what is going on. I acknowledge and
accept that there are concerns in the community about the litter that is produced
from this program. I think that is a legitimate concern and that is why the
Department of Health, the WA Country Health Service and the Department of
Communities are working to find some immediate and medium-term solutions to
reduce the litter, particularly in high-risk areas where other children may be.
Let us be clear that the needle
program is a harm-minimisation program that is used around the world. It has
been used under a Liberal government and a Labor government because there is
strong evidence that these programs reduce
the harm of bloodborne viruses when people inject drugs. When people come and
access those needles in hospitals and healthcare settings, they are also
provided information and support on how to seek treatment for their habit. That
is exactly what should happen. We are bringing in those people and giving them
information and treatment. There is no
evidence to suggest that Western Australian clinical staff, public health
staff, are handing out needles to children as the Leader of the Liberal
Party has reiterated in this place.
Several members interjected.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Members!
reports are true.
Ms L. Mettam : So you're
denying it.
Ms A. SANDERSON : Not all
reports are true.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Members,
you have asked the question. Listen to the response, please.
Ms A. SANDERSON : Broome
Hospital, where the claims were generated, has immediately reviewed all the
information and data that it has, including speaking to the team that engages
in this important harm minimisation, and there is no evidence to suggest that
that is the case. I am happy to organise a briefing for the member, who never
ever seeks more information or to find out what is going on. I acknowledge and
accept that there are concerns in the community about the litter that is produced
from this program. I think that is a legitimate concern and that is why the
Department of Health, the WA Country Health Service and the Department of
Communities are working to find some immediate and medium-term solutions to
reduce the litter, particularly in high-risk areas where other children may be.
Let us be clear that the needle
program is a harm-minimisation program that is used around the world. It has
been used under a Liberal government and a Labor government because there is
strong evidence that these programs reduce
the harm of bloodborne viruses when people inject drugs. When people come and
access those needles in hospitals and healthcare settings, they are also
provided information and support on how to seek treatment for their habit. That
is exactly what should happen. We are bringing in those people and giving them
information and treatment. There is no
evidence to suggest that Western Australian clinical staff, public health
staff, are handing out needles to children as the Leader of the Liberal
Party has reiterated in this place.
Several members interjected.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Members!
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