Kiama councillor and former state member Matt Brown has spoken of his battle with substance abuse and depression, revealing the “black dog” has worsened in the years since his political career “plummeted”.
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Cr Brown made the frank admission about his ongoing mental anguish after he was caught with the drug ice and a glass pipe at a Queensland nightspot this week.
The 46-year-old was arrested at Townsville’s Ville Casino on Monday night and pleaded guilty to two charges – possessing a dangerous drug and being in possession of a utensil – in Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
He escaped without a conviction, but was fined $500.
Cr Brown, who was the Labor member for Kiama from 1999 to 2011 and currently serves on Kiama council, said he “made a stupid decision” and was seeking help for substance abuse and depression.
“I made a mistake. I have a problem. I'm seeking help,” he told the Mercury in a text message.
“I apologise for the pain I have caused so many people.
“This is a very distressing time for many.” Cr Brown said he had “been battling an alcohol issue for some time”.
“This has been compounded by the black dog, which has been exacerbated over the years since my career plummeted,” he said.
“I have been experiencing depression ever since. The dependence I have placed on alcohol has led to irresponsible behaviour.
“I will be seeking help for my issues and accept the advice to do this by all who have stepped up to support me.
“I will try my hardest to deal with this problem and thank everyone for their support. I am so very sorry.”
Kiama council has granted the councillor a leave of absence and his request to NSW Labor officials to suspend his membership was granted.
He said he was “blessed to be with family and a community who love and support me”. “I hope I will be able to serve them again soon,” he said.
Cr Brown disputed reports that he told police he purchased the drug, telling Fairfax Media he found the 1.5g bag on the ground while walking around the city.
“I noticed a small satchel of a drug when I went on a walk to get money,” he said.
Cr Brown said he could not have purchased the drug “as my wallet was left on the plane”.
He then purchased a glass pipe from a tobacconist for the purpose of consuming the drug.
“I was tempted by my curiosity due to the find,” he said.
“As it turned out, I forgot about the illegality of it until it fell out of my pocket that evening and was witnessed by someone.”
Cr Brown was a Labor government minister, but spectacularly fell from grace in 2008 – after details emerged that he allegedly danced in his underwear and simulated a sex act with former Wollongong MP Noreen Hay.
If you or someone you know needs crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
– with Lisa Visentin
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
