Live from the special commission of inquiry into the drug ice in the Hunter and New England

The three-day public hearing in East Maitland will run from June 18 to 20.

Established by the NSW Government, the commission is expected to examine the prevalence of crystal methamphetamine, as well as the impacts of and responses to its use.

Commissioner, Professor Dan Howard SC, said ice was clearly having serious impacts across the Hunter and New England.

He will hear evidence from a range of witnesses with first-hand experience of the challenges posed by drug use. They include frontline workers, health practitioners, educators and providers of drug and alcohol treatment services.

Individuals with lived experience of ATS use and its impacts will give evidence at a private hearing, while members of the regions' Indigenous communities will share their experiences and concerns during a private round-table discussion.

Live updates from the inquiry will come in from 9.30am on Tuesday. If the blog does not appear instantly, please give it a moment to load below.