NSW is rolling out naloxone, the life-saving opioid reversal nasal spray, to pubs, clubs, bars, and music venues as part of their first aid kits. The move follows a surge of extremely potent lab-made opioids flooding Australia’s drug supply.
Naloxone works within minutes to temporarily reverse overdoses from heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids, buying crucial time until emergency services arrive. Safe to use and requiring no prescription, naloxone poses no risk if administered unnecessarily.
Starting this month, venues volunteering for the program will receive training and guidance from NSW Health on safely implementing naloxone. The initiative builds on the state’s ‘Take Home Naloxone‘ program, which already provides the medication free through pharmacies, hospitals, and health services.
NSW officials roll out Naloxone as nightlife venues’ overdose safety ‘tool’
Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said the rollout was vital for venue safety as Sydney’s nightlife rebounds.
“We want the best venues possible, and having this tool to prevent deaths from overdoses brings NSW up to speed with leading international jurisdictions,” Graham said in a statement on Saturday. “Our operators care about safety, and we’re supporting them [with naloxone] to keep people safe until emergency services arrive.”
Health Minister Ryan Park said the program is a proactive step in reducing preventable deaths.
“Overdoses can happen anywhere, including social settings. Naloxone is safe, easy to use, and saves lives,” Park said. “Anyone who witnesses a suspected opioid overdose can safely administer it. NSW Health recently expanded access to first-aid qualified workers across all sectors, including hospitality.”
Deadly Nitazenes increasing in Australia’s drug supply
The program comes as health experts warn of a rising synthetic opioid crisis. Nitazenes—fatal even in small amounts—have been detected in heroin, MDMA, cocaine, ketamine, vapes, and even pills sold as Valium and Xanax. Local harm reduction advocates report cases where multiple naloxone doses and CPR were needed to save lives.
Acting Minister for Gaming and Racing Jodie Harrison said overdoses in licensed venues are rare but can be deadly.
“This initiative empowers hospitality workers to act swiftly in emergencies and reduce harm from dangerous drugs,” Harrison said. “Having naloxone on hand could mean the difference between life and death.”
By expanding naloxone access into nightlife venues, NSW aligns with a growing number of global jurisdictions emphasising the importance of immediate overdose response. For venue operators, it is both a practical safety measure and a step toward a safer, more prepared night-time economy.
Naloxone’s availability also complements other harm reduction efforts, including training for frontline workers, prison exit programs, and public education on emerging synthetic opioids. The message is clear: in an era of increasingly potent drugs, preparedness can save lives.
For more information, visit NSW Health Take Home Naloxone.