The Mental Health Commission (Commission) is leading the development of the Early Warning System (EWS) to respond to new and emerging drugs of concern in Western Australia. This includes detection of previously unidentified psychoactive substances, highly toxic substances and the associated harms through use.

The introduction of an EWS in Western Australia was a recommendation in the Select Committee into Alternate Approaches to Reducing Illicit Drug Use and its Effects on the Community Report, ‘Help not Handcuffs’ report. 

Who oversees the EWS?

The EWS Working Group (EWSWG) was established in 2019 to oversee the development and implementation of the EWS.

The Commission is the co-ordinating agency for the EWSWG, with membership comprised of:

• Mental Health Commission
• Peer Based Harm Reduction WA
• National Drug Research Institute
• St John Ambulance WA
• Western Australian Police Force
• Royal Perth Hospital
• ChemCentre
• Western Australian Department of Health