Drugs Council marks U.N. Day Against Drug Abuse

The Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD), the peak non-government advisory body to the Federal Government on drugs policy, has called for a renewed effort by all Australian Governments and the Australian community to address the harm from illicit drugs.

Speaking on the eve of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Chairman of the ANCD, Major Brian Watters, stated that it was incumbent upon everyone to work together to prevent the use and minimise the harms arising from, and associated with, illicit drug use.

"The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking provides an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the pain that is suffered by so many Australian families as the result of illicit drug use" Major Watters said.

"The International Day also provides an opportunity to reflect on the advances which have been made in the past 12 months in Australia, with the agreement by the Council of Australian Governments to a national approach to illicit drugs, and efforts by individual Governments to address the misuse of drugs in their jurisdictions."

"It is appropriate that we all reflect on the words of the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan":

Illicit drugs destroy innumerable individual lives and undermine our societies. Confronting the illicit trade in drugs and its effects remains a major challenge for the international community

Major Watters emphasised that with more than 600 people dying annually from illicit drugs, the need to renew efforts was stronger than ever. "The ANCD is committed to working with all Australian Governments in developing new mechanisms for addressing this crucial issue," he said.

25 June 1999

Media inquiries:

Wayne Smith, A/Executive Officer, ANCD
02 6281 0686, 0408 244 552

Major Brian Watters ANCD Chairman
0414 780 509