A global campaign demanding drug policies grounded in health, compassion and human rights will be spotlighted in the NSW Parliament today, as advocates gather to mark Support. Don’t Punish Global Day of Action 2025. 

Hosted by Uniting NSW.ACT and the NSW Users and Aids Association (NUAA), the event brings together advocates, faith leaders, community members and people with lived experience to urge the NSW Government to act on the clear recommendations of last year’s NSW Drug Summit and call for evidence-based reforms that will save lives and support communities.  

Members of Parliament will also be in attendance to show their support and wear a commemorative ribbon to recognise the day.  

“Today is Support Don’t Punish Day, the Global Day of Action bringing organisations like ours together from around the world to oppose stigma and injustice, and call for changes to laws, policies and practices that are causing harm to people in our communities,” Emma Maiden, Uniting NSW.ACT’s Director of Advocacy and External Relations said. 

“Today at NSW Parliament we will reflect on how we are united in wanting reforms that will help keep people we love to be safe,” Emma said. 

“We all want to keep our communities, loved ones and ourselves safe,” Dr Mary Harrod, CEO of NUAA said. 

“The most effective way to support people whose lives are affected by drug use is to invest in an evidence-based, whole of government response that appropriately resources harm reduction and treatment service and ensures we are creating an equitable service landscape across NSW,” she said. 

“We remain hopeful that the Summit recommendations will lead to a more equitable and more just future for people in NSW whose lives have been affected by drug use,” Dr Harrod said. 

Last year 295 cities of 85 countries worldwide took part in Support. Don’t Punish Day. Recently released results from the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare (AIHW) show that support for harm reduction across Australia has never been higher.