GOVT ACCUSED OF IGNORING DRUG PROBLEM

A national drug reform organisation has accused the Federal Government
of ignoring Australia's increasing drug problem.

Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform has released its rating of
the Government's commitment to the issue in legislation and policy.

Spokesman Brian McConnell says despite the launch of the Prime
Minister's Tough on Drugs Strategy two years ago, there have not been
any significant outcomes.

"We've been identifying the main headings that he's [the Prime
Minister's] been talking about and that's attacking the drug barons
and we've found that there's no change there," Mr McConnell said.

Mr McConnell says overdose deaths are on the increase as is the
availability of drugs.

"We've looked at zero-tolerance campaigns and protecting our children
and we've found that drug use is increasing and the average age of
first use of drugs is decreasing.

"We've looked at rehabilitation and research but again there are no
results from that as yet," he said.