COSTLY DRUG WISH LIST

PUBLIC participation is essential on important matters such as illicit drug
use but while the Drug Summit has highlighted the illicit drug scourge, its
recommendations seem to have produced little that was not already known or
publicly available.

It is unfortunate that many of the 45 recommendations and numerous
part-recommendations read like a wish list that has been drawn up for
presentation to some utopian organisation which has an open cheque book
linked to unlimited funds. It is also unfortunate that many of the
recommendations appear to have no order of priority.

Given the current taxation system in Australia, it is impossible for the
State Government (that is, taxpayers) to fund many of the extra services
outlined in many of the recommendations.

It is doubtful that the WA taxpayers' kitty is in any position to fund the
13.5 per cent wage claim for salaried hospital staff.

The Drug Summit recommendations are going to have to go through a strict
culling, costing and priority procedure. Realistic and readable strategy
and action plans have to be produced unless someone with immense private
wealth comes to the party or taxpayers are happy to see their taxes,
charges and levies dramatically increased to pay for some very costly
additional services.

Because I am certain that it would be the taxpayer who would end up footing
the bill for any recommendations that may be adopted, the first question
that taxpayers should be asked is how much extra are they prepared to pay,
if anything, and in what form.

Perhaps a fund-sourcing summit should be convened. We need critical
thinking and good, straightforward leadership.

PHILIP ACHURCH, West Perth.