Australia: National Harm Reduction Forum 2024

Forum overview

Currently in Australia, there is no regular mechanism to unite and bring those working in and around harm reduction and related sectors together at the national level. The National Harm Reduction Forum 2024 is a free, online event for important conversations on harm reduction and drug policy reform in Australia.This year’s forum will focus on current gaps in the response and areas for innovation in harm reduction and drug policy reform in Australia in 2024 and beyond. The forum will include a compelling keynote address by Fiona Patten (advocate, former member of Victorian Parliament and leader of the Reason Party) on achieving major policy reform in challenging political and social contexts including: conducting strategic political advocacy on drug policy and legal reform; utilising parliamentary and government policy levers effectively; making the most of opportunities for reform in challenging political environments; and staying energised and committed when the pace of change is slow.

Fiona will be joined by a stellar panel of seasoned advocates, current and former politicians, bureaucrats and leading researchers for a lively discussion (with audience participation) on how to secure more just and humane drug policies and laws in Australia in 2024 and beyond.

In the second part of the forum, participants will be able to choose from 3 interactive, deep-dive sessions on key areas of HRA’s work and advocacy: Status Update on Pill Testing – hear the latest data from PTA’s festival-based testing and other recent developments in the drug checking space and discuss where to next for pill testing in Australia?

Current Challenges and Future Reforms in Medicinal Cannabis – including driving laws, workplace drug testing and the growing demand for medicinal cannabis in Australia.

Future of Opioid Dependence Treatment (OTP) in Australia – ODTP is now more affordable than ever, but how do we make it more accessible and address the ongoing access, flexibility and workforce problems threatening the program?The online format is designed to provide an affordable and accessible way for the widest possible range of organisations, services and individuals to participate in this national event.

The HRA National Harm Reduction Forum is free to attend.

Register now to secure your place… Register here for the Online Forum