Mixed reactions to focus of $87.5 million strategy

By Mark Ludlow

The Howard Government's new drug strategy was more concerned with law
wnforcement than with treatment, according to the ACT's Families and
Friends for Drug Law Reform.

However the Group's mixed response to the Federal Government's new drug
package was outweighed by the positive response from antidrug groups
around the country, including the Salvation Army.

Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform chairman Brian McConnell said
Federal Government spending on treatment was long overdue but he questioned
the focus of the overall strategy.

"It seems to be concerned on the law enforcement side and the 'get tough on
drugs' side, while not looking at the research available or undertaking a
review of drug laws," he said.

"Research into cocaine in the United States has shown that every dollar put
into treatment is seven times more effective than law enforcement. It's the
same with heroin."

Mr McConnell said the law enforcement priority of Mr Howard's strategy was
a political ploy aimed directly at Australia's voters.

"Allocating $43 million, out of $87.5 million, to law enforcement may not
make a great difference but it will change the public's perception and will
make a political point," he said.

The Alcohol and other Drug Councils of Australia joined a number of other
groups in welcoming the announcement of the new drugs package.

Salvation Army spokesman Pat Daley said the focus on law enforcement was
not overstated, as it was all part of the equation in fighting drugs.

"Law enforcement has got to be part of the equation. People say we have
been losing the war on drugs but we haven't because before it was just a
popgun war. We've only just begun the war," Mr Daley said.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia chief executive officer David
Crosbie said, "The Prime Minister has done what no Commonwealth leader or
minister has been prepared to do in the last 10 years: increase funding and
support for programs and services to reduce the level of drurelated harm
in Australia. This is a very welcome initiative.

"If we can just get state and territory governments to follow the Prime
Minister's lead, there is no doubt we will be able to save lives and make a
real difference."

National Alcohol and Drug Research Centre director Professor Wayne Hall
said the package of treatment, training, education and research funding
represented a combination of initiatives that would contribute to a
reduction of the drug problems.

The Australian Federal Police were now in an historic position to tacle the
drug problem seriously, AFP Commander Mick Palmer said.