Media release

National Council applauds investment in top end

The Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) today applauded the announcement by the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation (AERF) to fund a range of initiatives targeting Indigenous substance abuse.

Major Brian Watters, Chairman of the ANCD said “for quite some time now the ANCD has been advocating for a greater commitment to addressing substance misuse issues amongst Indigenous communities. It pleases me greatly to see the AERF contributing such a significant amount of funds for Indigenous services.”

Major Watters added “we would also like to recognise the partnership approach being undertaken between theNorthern TerritoryGovernment and the AERF, particularly in relation to the restriction on some alcohol sales inAlice Springs. It is vitally important that we work together if we are to bring about real change and genuine improvements in people’s lives, and clearly, investing in social infrastructure and limiting alcohol availability will do this.”

Previously the ANCD has released reports such as the Rural and Regional Alcohol and Other Drugs National Consultation Forum Report, the Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Projects Reportand the Structural Determinants of Youth Drug Use Report, all of which have highlighted the need for a greater investment in programs and services that target both the causes and symptoms of drug use.

Major Watters concluded by stating “the ANCD has been a long time advocate for specific funds to deal with the enormous range and depth of problems created for the community from the use and misuse of alcohol. The establishment of the AERF last year was a significant step in meeting this goal and the ANCD will continue to support our colleagues in the AERF in its endeavours to fund organisations acrossAustraliato deal with these problems.”

4 November 2002

The ANCD is the principal advisory body to Government on drug and alcohol issues.

For further information, please contact:

Major Brian Watters (Chairman)
0400 780 509

Mr Gino Vumbaca (Executive Officer)
0408 244 552 or 02 6279 1650

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