ANTI-DRUG GROUP TO LAUNCH NEW OFFENSIVE IN TAMWORTH

A MAJOR new push in the fight against, the illicit drug problem in
Australian society will be launched in Tamworth on April 14.

Australian Cities Against Drugs (ACAD) president Warren Woodley said the
official State launch of the organisation set up to reject demands for the
legalisation of illicit drugs and develop positive strategies to address
drug problems, would be spearheaded by high-profile guests at the West
Tamworth League Club.

Mr Woodley said entertainer Normie Rowe, former organised crime Royal
Commissioner Athol Moffit, Sydney Rapid Detox Centre medical director Siva
Navaratnam, high-profile barrister Ross Goodridge and National Drug Council
of Australia member Craig Thompson would be attending at
this stage.

ACAD would continue to determine appropriate actions to pursue its aims. Mr
Woodley said, but a key role would be as a parental reference and
information group for people with a drug problem in the family or for those
seeking an alternative approach to rehabilitation.

"One of our major roles will be to lobby all levels of government to produce
a more uniform approach to the drug problem in the direction of our mission
statement," he said.

"The illicit drug problem is one of the most serious social problems
Australia has faced. We either come to grips with it in the next few years
or we'll regret it for years to come."

Mr Woodley said ACAD would lobby for a more permanent long-term
rehabilitation centre in the north of the State, closer to Tamworth and the
immediate region.

Mayors and dignitaries from across the State will sign the ACAD resolution
at the State launch, committing themselves to reject proposals to legalise
illicit drugs.

The resolution favours preventative measures to stop people being enticed
into taking drugs and to reduce their dissemination, while giving addicts
adequate treatment and counselling within the zero tolerance philosophy, Mr
Woodley said.

Preventative programs in schools, colleges and work-places and a public
education program to inform all Australians on recent research and
developments into the true effect of illicit drugs were other measures to
pursue, he said.

Premier Bob Carr and State Opposition Leader Kerry Chikarovski have been
invited to the launch. Mr Woodley said Mrs Chikarovski had indicated her
keenness to attend, if at all possible.

People wanting more information should call ACAD on 6761 3630.