RANN PLEDGES DRUGS SUMMIT IF ELECTED SA PREMIER

ADELAIDE -- South Australian Opposition Leader Mike Rann today pledged to
convene a major drugs summit if elected premier at a looming state election.

Mr Rann said the summit would focus on designer drugs and amphetamines and
would be initiated within three months of the Labor Party winning government.

A state election is due by April next year.

"I don't want a talk-fest but I want police, judges, health and welfare
experts and young people themselves to help us map out a strategy to deal
with the threat of drugs," Mr Rann said today.

"We need to look at more effective education and publicity programs to
convince young people of the serious dangers of drug use."

Mr Rann said the opposition was reviewing the state's drug legislation with
a view to tougher penalties for amphetamine dealing.

"I know there are some outlaw motorcycle gangs that manufacture and sell
amphetamines, such as ecstasy to teenagers, and there are nightclubs and
other places which appear willing accomplices to the selling of these
so-called designer drugs," he said.

"I want to hear from parents and those who have had to pick up the pieces,
including welfare and health organisations and youth workers.

"I want young people to tell us what is going on, why it is happening and
how they believe we can better get the message across about the dangers of
drug use."