CARR PLANS $200M ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN

The Carr Government has promised to spend an extra $47 million on drug
treatment and education programs over the next four years if it is
re-elected to power.

However, the Government has deferred a decision about the future of a heroin
injecting room until after the election.

Premier Bob Carr visited a drug rehabilitation centre in Sydney this morning
to announce details of a $223 million anti-drug campaign.

"If we can get more young people to say no to drugs, or to ease them off
drugs, to educate them about drugs, then that is crime prevention," Mr Carr
said.

The plan includes the creation of four new cannabis clinics, more
residential drug treatment services and an information campaign in secondary
schools.

But when asked about the heroin injecting room in Kings Cross, Mr Carr said
a decision about the trial's future would be made in April, after the
campaign.

Mr Carr says he is particularly concerned about increased use of drugs such
as cannabis and amphetamines.

The Shadow Health Minister, Jillian Skinner, says much more money needs to
spent on tackling drug abuse.

"This is a stunt on the part of the Premier," she said.

"People are sick of his stunts and it's far too important a topic to be
cruel hoaxes on people.

"Of the $223 million announced today by Mr Carr, that includes only $3.7
million in new funding."