TEAM TO TACKLE DRUG SCOURGE

The government has chosen 100 West Australians to help shape
recommendations to combat the State's growing illicit drug problem.

The $1.5 billion cost to West Australians of the damaging effects of drugs
was revealed in the nine reports released last month to guide the Community
Drug Summit in August.

The papers were developed by different groups comprising independent
experts, drug users, their relatives and others to stimulate debate in the
community.

Health Minister Bob Kucera has warned that the summit will deal with
controversial issues that might not be palatable to everyone in the
community. He has indicated that safe injecting rooms, heroin trials and
cannabis decriminalisation will be on the agenda.

Community Drug Summit director Denzil McCotter said choosing the delegates
from the 1000 applicants had been a difficult decision.

"The selection process was based on the extent to which an applicant could
demonstrate extensive interest and involvement in the community as well as
their involvement or exposure to illicit drug use," Dr McCotter said.

Fifty-two men and 48 women were selected. There are 28 representatives from
the general community, 16 represent young people, 15 the country, four the
indigenous population, five culturally and linguistically diverse groups,
five are from religious backgrounds, four from local government and three
from business.

There are also 20 representatives of groups which help people with drug
problems.

Public submissions for the August 13 to 17 conference at Parliament House
closed yesterday.

Dr McCotter said summit office staff would spend next week reading and
summarising the hundreds of submissions.

During the summit, delegates will form nine working groups to make
recommendations on topics raised in the issues papers.

Keynote speakers will address the summit each day before delegates vote on
recommendations on the last day and a half.

The results will be presented to the State Government.

Murdoch University chancellor and former Federal MP Fred Chaney and Edith
Cowan University deputy vice-chancellor Liz Harman will head the summit.

They will be assisted by a youth representative, a former illicit drug
user, Jade.

For more information, contact the Community Drug Summit office on 9222 5399
or at www.drugsummit.health.wa.gov.au