"In recognition of a shared commitment to harm reduction, we have asked Detective Inspector Healey to share any evidence that general drug detection operations using dogs have reduced the risk of harm to patrons of similar events in the past. At the time of writing he has not provided that evidence.

Given that prevention of health harms is a core business of the Ministry and the Department of Health, we feel it is necessary to take those concerns to you as NSW Minister of Health."

Last Friday we wrote to Detective Inspector Healey, acting chief of the Penrith Local Area Command. He’s the man responsible for overseeing the police operation at Defqon1, a hardstyle dance music festival in Penrith on September 20.

Last year 23 year old James Munro overdosed and died at Defqon1 in Sydney. In his father's account, he took three pills after he saw there was a drug dog operation at the entrance. That was a preventable death and should not happen again.

"I know from my extensive work with people with drug and alcohol problems in Sydney, the drug ice can have severe consequences. It is becoming more prominent here - particularly in disadvantaged communities  -  and is responsible for a lot of heartache and broken lives. 

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione is right to say the community needs to work with law enforcement agencies to try to combat the use of methamphetamines. But all social problems need to be dealt with in a manner proportional to the threat they present to the community and illicit drugs are no different.

Ever noticed that disagreements about drugs and drug policy often get personal and emotional? And have you noticed that they often come to an impasse, where each side understands the issue in very different ways?

On Thursday June 26th 2014, people in more than 100 cities across the world took part in the second 'Support. Don't Punish' Global Day of Action, calling for drug policy reform and better support for harm reduction services. As part of the day of action, Unharm ran an event at the Wayside Chapel in Sydney.

A recent, robust survey conducted with over 3,000 Australian voters found that 66% supported the legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes. 

But you know what? That's been the case for TEN YEARS (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2004-10).

Medical cannabis in Australia - it's time.

Miles Hunt reflects on Annual Remembrance Day, an international event recognising lives lost to drugs and alcohol.

Dan McNamee from Art Vs Science has written to the Member for Ballina, Don Page, arguing strongly and eloquently for a trial of a sniffer dog-free Splendour in the Grass.

An octogenarian who wants cannabis and ecstasy legalised and has campaigned for safe injecting rooms has been named Victorian of the Year.