“The Time is Now”: New Tasmanian drug user network launches declaration

Left-Right: Declaration authors Lily Foster, Jo Murphy, Kerrie Dare and Emily Ebdon

On 26 September, more than 60 people around the country attended an online event that launched the foundational declaration of Tasmanians with Substance, a collective of people with lived and living experience of using alcohol and other drugs in lutruwita/Tasmania.

The declaration, written by Kerrie Dare, Emily Ebdon, Lily Foster and Jo Murphy, states:

“People who use alcohol and other drugs in Tasmania have the right to:
• Equity, inclusion, dignity and respect and to live free from discrimination and stigma
• Bodily autonomy and personal choice
• Access timely, contemporary, evidence-based drug treatment and culturally appropriate support services that are non-judgmental and responsive to our unique health needs
• Obtain safe, new injecting equipment and other health affirming treatment and lifesaving resources without fear of criminalisation or persecution
• Access and freedom to choose effective, affordable medications
• Participate in the development and implementation of drug policies and programs that directly impact our lives
• Lead meaningful decision-making processes that accurately represent the diversity of our perspectives.”

At the launch webinar, Kerrie Dare, Lily Foster and Jo Murphy explained that the declaration was part of a campaign with the theme “The Time is Now”. A T-shirt and poster have been produced as part of the campaign.

“This was a collaborative effort with my incredible peers, making it a truly unique adventure. We relished the chance to share our diverse experiences, bringing us closer as we discovered each other's strengths and quirks.

“This campaign, grounded in the human rights framework, holds special significance for Tasmania’s future independent peer organisation. It perfectly aligns with the core belief of safeguarding the human rights of individuals with living and lived experience in the drug space. It's more than just a campaign - it's a foundational document.

“Seeing our ideas come to life on the poster and T-shirt was an emotional and affirming moment. It embodied our dedication to creating positive change and made our ideas tangible,” Lily Foster said.

“The Time is Now” — Jo Murphy and Emily Ebdon showing the campaign T-shirt

Text from declaration on back of T-shirt

The webinar was attended by peers, activists advocates and workers from drug user organisations throughout Australia. Mary Ellen Harrod, CEO of NUAA said, “The declaration makes a strong statement affirming that human rights are a non-negotiable part of healthcare. We welcome this initiative from Tasmania and look forward to supporting Tasmanians with Substance on this and future campaigns.”

The declaration can be read here. For more information on Tasmanians with Substance and the campaign contact Greg Taylor at gregoryt@atdc.org.au

campaign poster