DRUG FORUM WELCOME STEP

Drug Abuse Is One Of Australia's Greatest Social Issues.

Drug abuse destroys lives. It creates victims from all walks of life,
ranging from the users, their families, the people who suffer from the
criminal activities of drug addicts who need to feed their habits, through
to taxpayers who bear the significant burden of the cost of treatment and
the search for answers.

The problem is not exclusive to our capital cities and major regional centres.

It is an issue for every community.

Debate about solutions, including safe injecting rooms has so far been the
domain of our major cities.

That situation must not be allowed to continue.

Albury-Wodonga, as a community with a significant drug problem, must join
the debate.

The drug forum planned for early next month is a welcome step forward.

The member for Benambra, Mr Tony Plowman, deserves credit for instigating
the forum.

The forum is about this community being prepared to confront the issue of
drug abuse and debate solutions in a forthright, but rational manner.

Please do not think drug abuse is not your problem or your responsibility —
it is.

The March 2 forum is the start of an overdue process in this community.

We urge you to be a part of it.