FIRST STEPS IN ANTI-DRUG WAR

THE anti-drug initiatives announced in Wollongong yesterday by NSW
Health Minister Craig Knowles as part of the Government's response to
the drug summit are long overdue in this region.

Like every other regional and rural area of Australia, the Illawarra
has not been immune from the pervasive and devastating effects of
illegal drugs with existing services overwhelmed by the problem.

The Government has announced it will spend an extra $158million over
the next four years in anti-drug initiatives that target drug dealers,
get more users into treatment and educate the community, particularly
young people.

Mr Knowles announced the Illawarra would be one of two areas in the
state to trial a scheme aimed at intervening before drug users became
entangled in the legal system.

First-time offenders caught with small amounts of illicit drugs could
be cautioned and counselled under a new program that would involve
face-to-face involvement of both the young user and parents in a bid
to break the cycle of drug abuse and crime.

Clinical services will be expanded and mobile community outreach teams
will be set up in northern Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas.

The third local initiative will see more intensive treatment and
assessment of inmates with drug problems in police cells at Wollongong
Police Station.

There is little expectation such initiatives will rid the community of
the drugs menace completely, but even the longest journey requires a
first step.