MONEY ON ADS PROGRAM CALLED A WASTE

THE Federal Government's new multi-million-dollar drug awareness campaign
has been criticised by youth and drug workers, who claim the money could be
better spent on drug treatment services.

The hard-hitting advertisements, which include shock-tactic images such as
a teenager being zipped in a body bag, began screening this week.

The commercials are part of the $27 million first stage of the Government's
Tough on Drugs strategy aiming to get parents talking to their children
about the dangers of drugs.

They are linked with a booklet to be sent to every household providing
families with information about drugs.

Youth Affairs Council executive officer Rose Carnes said she supported a
proactive approach to tackling drug problems, but believed the money could
have been better spent on services.

She feared the campaign was limited because it appeared to be based on the
assumption all families provided good, positive environments for young people.

"It's simplistic and it feels like a bit of a gimmick," she said.

WA Substance Users"Association manager Tamara Speed said she thought the
campaign funding could be better directed to grass-roots services and programs.

But Curtin University's National Drug Research Institute deputy director,
Associate Professor Wendy Loxley, said increased communication between
children and parents was an effective way to tackle drug problems.

However, the campaign had to be evaluated.

She said it was important not to place too much responsibility on parents
because even children from "good families" could develop drug problems.