Clean needles and syringes

Needle and syringe programs (NSP) are a public health measure, consistent with the National Drug Strategy’s harm minimisation framework, to reduce the spread of infections such as HIV and hepatitis C among injecting drug users.

We provide a range of services for people who inject drugs:

• sterile injecting equipment
• education on reducing drug use
• health information
• referral to drug treatment, medical care and legal and social services
• assistance to access take-home naloxone.

The injecting equipment provided includes needles and syringes, swabs and ‘sharps bins’ for the safe disposal of used needles and syringes. Sterile water and wheel filters are also available for a small fee.

Needle and syringe programs do not supply drugs or allow people to inject drugs on the premises.

A ‘sharps bin’ is located at each NSP to allow for the safe disposal of used injecting equipment.

Vending machines

Syringe vending machines dispense packs for a small fee. The 24/7 machines that provide sterile needles and syringes are located outside hospitals, community or sexual health centres and alcohol and drug services.