COUNCILS IN PUSH FOR DRUGS FORUM

COUNCILS across Australia yesterday called on federal and state
governments to hold a national forum on the problems of drugs in society.

The Australian Local Government Association national assembly
unanimously passed a resolution by Sydney's Hurstville Council to hold
the forum. Hurstville Mayor Mick Frawley said the vast majority of
crimes today was drug related.

"Australia needs to make the tough decision to categorically reject
drugs and develop a total intolerance to those who push drugs and at
the same time help those who are addicted," Mr Frawley said.

The conference, in Canberra, called on the federal and state
governments to hold the forum as a matter of urgency, to step up the
fight against drugs.

Checked-by: Rich O'Grady