Queensland records its highest ever annual number of drug overdose deaths
Queensland has recorded its highest-ever annual number of unintentional drug overdose deaths, with 417 fatalities reported in 2024. Families of victims are calling for increased access to life-saving interventions like Naloxone and drug-checking services.
Why it matters
The rising death toll highlights a growing public health crisis and sparks debate over harm reduction policies in Australia.
Pat and Les Stelling lost their son to a drug overdose and years later are still pushing for change. ( Supplied: Conor Ashleigh )
Queensland has recorded its highest number of unintentional overdose deaths on record, according to an annual report released by the Penington Institute.
The analysis found 417 people lost their lives due to overdoses in Queensland in 2024, the latest reporting period.
Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action's chief executive Emma Kill says overdoses are "costing us people we shouldn't be losing".
Link copied Share Share article It was 1am when a police officer knocked on Les and Pat Stelling's front door in central Queensland.
"He told us that our son had died through overdose of drugs," Mr Stelling recalled.
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