The stories emerging from the NSW "ice" inquiry – of desperate individuals and families unable to get help for their drug problems – are simply harrowing.

In Moree, 50,000 needles were found in the city’s garbage tip for a town of just over 13,000 people, yet the closest treatment service is three hours away.

Humiliating Newstart applicants with drug tests will not help people suffering addiction. Credit:Shannon Morris

In Broken Hill, 17 children have been placed in out-of-home care in the past 18 months because of family drug use; the rate of methamphetamine use is almost four times the NSW average, but the city doesn’t have a single detox service. The nearest rehabilitation service for families is 12 hours' drive away on the state’s Central Coast.

The same distressing stories can be found in every town in Australia: people literally dying for help, but unable to get treatment because the services just aren’t there or the waiting lists are too long.