Strategy questioned, as war boldly declared

Comment by Naomi Mapstone

The language of war underscored everything Prime Minister had to say on
drugs yesterday.

He is going to attack the drug barons, combat the menace facing Australian
families, form mobile strike teams, provide "moral leadership".

Harking back to 1996, the year he was praised for acting so decisively on
guns after the Port Arthur massacre, the Prime Minister promised this would
be the year he got tough on drugs.

And so to battle. But has Mr Howard got his strategy right?

Nobody was looking an $87.5 million gift horse in the mouth yesterday, but
some questioned the rhetoric.

Mr Howard's promise of "moral leadership" sticks in the craw of those who
believe drug addiction should be approached more as a health issue than one
of crime.

The awful reality of Australia's illicit drug problem is that it can affect
anyone. Nice kids from good homes take drugs too.

And when they do, they need help, more than judgement, if they're going to
put their lives back in order and become productive members of society again.

Moral leadership in this instance is all about Mr Howard trying to get back
in touch with the "battlers" who put him in office to once again be seen
as a decisive leader.

He also wants young people to despise drugs, and if they don't already,
he's going to change their minds with a "rigorous school education program"
aimed at zero drugs tolerance.

ACT Chief Minister Kate Carnell said yesterday she would rather see the
nation's leader talking about "zero harm" than "zero tolerance".

Independent MLA Michael Moore, more bluntly, accused Mr Howard of
advocating indoctrination, rather than education.

Mr Howard's three year, $87.5 million strategy will undoubtedly achieve
some good.

All the more if he keeps his promise to consult stakeholders in deciding
exactly how the money will be used, and if further instalments can indeed
achieve his aim of an integrated and effective national effort.