Media release

Australian National Council on Drugs welcomes national approach to illicit drug use

The Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD), the peak non-government advisory body to the Federal Government on Australian drug policy, today welcomed the commitment of all Australian Governments to a concerted and comprehensive approach to addressing illicit drug use.

Chair of the ANCD, Major Brian Watters, applauded the commitment of the Federal and State Governments to a coordinated, national approach to tackling this crucial issue.

"There is now a wide recognition in the Australian community", Major Watters said "that too many people are dying from illicit drug use, and that there are very significant social and economic impacts associated with such use. There is a real consensus in the community that now is the time to take strong action and to implement new approaches."

"The ANCD is very pleased to see that the Commonwealth Government has announced a major increase in funding to education, treatment and supply reduction, in addition to previous funding announced as part of the Tough on Drugs Strategy. These new funds have the potential to make a very real difference."

"The ANCD strongly supports the increased focus on diversion of illicit drug users by police into education, counselling or treatment, and the Commonwealth’s commitment of additional resources to treatment to allow this to happen. This will provide additional options for police and for illicit drug users in reducing drug use and resulting harms."

"The Australian National Council on Drugs welcomes the opportunity to work with governments in implementing the actions agreed at today’s historic Council of Australian Governments meeting, and will continue to provide expert advice on other actions which could be undertaken by governments and the Australian community."

9 April, 1999

Media contact:

Wayne Smith, Interim Secretariat, Australian National Council on Drugs
02 6281 0686

Major Brian Watters
02 9212 4000, 0414 780 509

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