Media release

Drugs Council welcomes Ministerial commitment to diversion

The Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD), the peak non-government advisory body to the Federal Government on drugs policy, today welcomed the commitment of the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy (MCDS) to a national approach to diversion.

The Chairman of the ANCD, Major Brian Watters, stated today that the MCDS agreement was a welcome reinforcement of governments’ commitment to innovative approaches to addressing substance use.

"The Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy has agreed to a comprehensive national framework for progressing the Council of Australian Governments agreement on diversion, thus ensuring its prompt implementation."

"I am very pleased to see that Ministers have agreed to the Australian National Council on Drugs playing a major role in the implementation of the diversion project. This means that non-government and community organisations will play a very significant role in implementing fundamental reforms to Australia’s approach to illicit drugs."

"I am also very pleased to see that the MCDS has agreed to establish a mechanism for ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander drug and alcohol issues are addressed. This provides a process for addressing the concerns which were raised by the ANCD at its meeting on 13 May 1999."

The Australian National Council on Drugs looks forward to working with all Australian Governments in implementing the outcomes of the Ministerial Council on Drugs Strategy meeting.

10 June 1999

Media inquiries:

Wayne Smith, A/Executive Officer, Australian National Council on Drugs
02 6281 0686

Major Brian Watters ANCD Chairman
0414 780 509

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