Intravenous drug users in Western Australia’s north will soon be able to exchange used needles for sterile ones, as the state government moves to address concerns around discarded needles littering the streets of Broome.
On Thursday, WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson announced the existing Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) in Broome would become an exchange program.
It comes after residents have expressed concerns over the number of fitpacks given out at NSPs and discarded needles in public areas, including ovals and primary schools, with a child pricked by a needle on school grounds in August.
Figures previously provided to the ABC show about 144,000 needles and syringes were handed out from Kimberley NSPs in 2023, almost double the previous year’s figures of 76,800.
This works out as over 400 each day, in a region with a population of around 35,000.
Natalie Kennedy has been removing used needles from public places in Broome. (Supplied: Natalie Kennedy)
Ms Sanderson said the Needle and Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP) would aim to reduce drug-related harm in the community and the rate of discarded drug use paraphernalia.
“[The exchange] will take some time to get up and running,” she said.
“[It] will allow people to access supports to withdraw and stay clean, and information about safe drug use and safe withdrawals.”
Amber-Jade Sanderson announced changes to Broome’s needle program in parliament on Thursday. (ABC News: Grace Burmas)
Member for Kimberley Divina D’Anna said efforts to curb drug use in the region required a coordinated effort in balancing “harm reducing with public safety.”
“Our shared goal is to ensure the health and safety of our community while effectively managing the realities of drug use,” she said.
Positive but cautious response
Broome resident Natalie Kennedy said she was pleased the town would be getting an exchange, after regularly picking up discarded needles found in public areas.
Natalie Kennedy has started a petition calling for action over the number of discarded needles in Broome. (ABC Kimberley: Dunja Karagic)
“I really want to make sure that it does happen and it happens quickly, that it’s not something that’s going to drag out for the next two years,” she said.
Ms Kennedy said she had found hundreds of used needles and syringes in areas used by children, including seven needles at a local oval used for little athletics last week.
Natalie Kennedy says she found seven discarded needles at Broome’s Haynes Oval, metres away from where local children were undertaking athletics training. (Supplied: Natalie Kennedy)
“We know this issue isn’t just isolated,” she said.
“The needle is the last piece of the puzzle.
“By the time there’s a needle tossed on the ground, we’ve probably got an addict [and] we’ve got a drug dealer.”
The Kimberley mother has started a petition online and called for a statewide review into NSPs.
Shire welcomes ‘any assistance’
Ms Sanderson is due to meet with the Broome Shire in the coming week to discuss the issue.
The minister said the government had increased the number needle disposal bins in Broome and would look at temporarily increasing funding to help shire workers clean up discarded needles, until the NSEP began.
“They are at the front line of managing community litter and waste,” Ms Anderson said.
Broome resident Natalie Kennedy has found used needles in public places, including on Cable Beach. (Supplied: Natalie Kennedy)
Shire President Chris Mitchell had previously confirmed the disposal of discarded needles was not the responsibility of shire rangers and other staff, and there was no dedicated team to remove them.
“Any assistance from the state government to improve management of needle litter whilst addressing ways to prevent and reduce it [is welcomed],”a shire spokesperson said.
“The shire is aware the state [government] is considering funding to boost needle litter patrols, but this has not been formalised.
“We understand it may be an interim measure whilst further options are being pursued for improved education and a needle exchange program.”
