Penington Institute

Penington Institute has launched its 2018 Annual Review, which is now available online. […]

More than 100 drug and health specialists, along with members of the public will hear experts debate the evidence for and against pill testing in Melbourne on Friday (8 February 2019). […]

Pill testing - Lifesaver or false comfort? Should pill testing be trialled at music festivals? Can you ever tell whether a pill is safe? Could pill testing save lives? Following a series of tragic deaths at music festivals this summer there is widespread debate about whether states and territories should allow pill testing. Supporters say it will save lives, while [...]

Australia’s leading independent drug research, policy and education organisation, Penington Institute, has today (2 November) welcomed the launch of ‘We all pay the price’ – a ground-breaking report on the health and social harms caused by current drug policies. […]

Australia’s leading independent drug research, policy and education organisation, Penington Institute, has welcomed the Andrews Labor Government’s proposed Royal Commission into Mental Health, should it be returned in the November state election. […]

New report launched - Saving lives: Australian naloxone access model The Minister for Health the Hon Greg Hunt MP has officially launched a new Penington Institute report: Saving lives: Australian naloxone access model. Penington Institute CEO John Ryan says that opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone is a vital drug but it is not getting into the hands of those who [...]

Overdose deaths rise again: Penington Institute Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2018 reveals that accidental overdose continues to be a significant cause of death in Australia. The continued growth in overdose deaths is linked to highly potent drugs, many of which are available through prescription, such as pharmaceutical opioids and benzodiazepines. Illegal drugs such as heroin and crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) also [...]

Penington Institute welcomes the trial of a supervised injecting facility in North Richmond. Penington Institute CEO John Ryan said establishing the trial was an important step towards tackling the harmful effects of drug use in the community. “The success of drug consumption rooms in reducing deaths, disease and improving a range of community-focussed outcomes is well established,” Mr Ryan said. [...]

A new and revitalised youth-led holistic sexual health program is in prospect following the transition of YEAH to Penington Institute. While YEAH is currently focused on youth sexual health the program will broaden its focus to incorporate youth focused information on alcohol and other drugs. According to Penington Institute CEO John Ryan, “YEAH has pioneered many opportunities for young people to [...]

An increase in crime, homelessness and desperation among Australia’s most vulnerable are the likely consequences of the announcement by Treasurer Scott Morrison that welfare payments eligibility will be directly linked to drug testing. […]