T 8* 1: UC. S, H.; 18-3-92 10: 33 DRUGS OF DEPENDENCE-# 062715300; g 2
A1 b tLI
PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA SPECIAL PREMIERS' COSFERENCE ON DRUGS
CANBERRA 2 APRIL 1985
COMMUNIQUE
The Commonwealth, State and Territory Heads of
Government met in Canberra today in a special Premiers'
Con ferenceand, pledgd-their governments to do everything
possible top combat the growing problems of drug abuse
arnd addiction in Australia. They agreed to mount a
National Campaign Against Drug Abuse in which all
Governments will co-operate and which will also seek the
full involvement and support of the community as a
whol1e.
The Campaign will place a major emphasis on reducing the
demand for drugs through education, treatment and
rehabilitation programs, particularly for young people
and particularly relating to hard drugs.
The Conference noted that the cost to the Australian
community of drug abuse is high whether measured In
terms of death and illness, wasted human potential,
violent and property crime, loss of production or social
misery. It was recognised that drug abuse is a complex
probl * em and that there are no simple or quick solutions.
The Conference agreed that a sustained effort would be
required over a period of years.
The Conference emphasised that governments have a
special responsibility to address problems associated
with those drugs the use of which is illegal in our
society. It was agreed that the Campaign will focus
particularly on illegal drugs. At the same time it was
recognised that there are also widespread health and
social problems arising from the abuse of licit drugs
and that the Campaign will need to encompass these as
well.
The Conference agreed that it was essential that
government efforts to combat drug trafficking and to
prevent supplies of hard drugs coming into the country
SENT BY: D. C. S. H.
be intensified. Particular attention will be paid to
those who control, direct and finance such activities.
The Conference recognised, however, that the drug
problem will not be effectively tackled unless there is
success in reducing the demand for drugs. Every effort
will be made to convince young people of the dangers of
involvement with drugs. Greater assistance and support
will be provided for parents, educators, community
groups and others who work with and counsel young
people. It was also agreed that both the quality and
the quantity of treatment and rehabilitation programs
for those already suffering from drug addiction should
be improved.
Special attention will be given to the needs of
particular sectors of the community. The so called hard
drugs pose a threat to young people generally: but for
other. groups, such as aborigines, abuse of licit drugs,
or substances, may be more significant problems.
The Conference acknowledged that women's pattern of drug
use differs from men's and presents problems which may
require different approaches. There are particular
problems which need to be addressed in the case of
. heroin addicted women who may be forced into
prostitution or, in the case of pregnant addicts, whose
lives and those of their babies may be endangered. The
Conference also noted the greater reliance of women on
minor tranquillisers and agreed that measures were
needed to dissuade doctors and patients from resort to
these drugs of addiction.
The Commonwealth Government will contribute to the
Campaign by the funding of national projects and by
making additional funds available to the States. The
States and the Northern Territory will continue and
expand existing programs, provide matching funds and
administer a major part of Commonwealth funding.
The Commonwealth Government has committed itself to a
long-term program of assistance. For the next three
years it has agreed to provide up to an additional
million a year for the education, treatment,
rehabilitation and research aspects of the campaign. It
will also be spending substantially increased amounts on
strengthening law enforcement. Of the $ 20m, which will
be indexed, $ 8 million will be allocated for national
projects which will be fully funded by the Commonwealth.
The remaining $ 12 million will be available to the
States and Territories to match increased expenditure
undertaken by them.
SEBNYT3CD -., 9 2 H .1810-: 33 DRUGS OF DEPENDENCE-# 0662771553000;;;; 3
S~ NT ~ yO. 3C-9.2 10: 34 DRUGS OF DEPENDENCE-* 67130;
3
The Campaign will be co-ordinated and oversighted by the
ministerial Council on Drug Strategy which wiii report
to the Premilers' Conference. The Council will have the
authority to deal with all matters related to drugs of
dependence. The Conference agreed on the introduction of a number of
specific initiatives.
Euaion Progr am s
The Conference agreed that, in consultation with the
States The National Drug Education Program will be
upgraded; New drug education materials are to be developed,
to assist those who educate, counsel or work with
young people and others at risk; materials will be
made available for use in schools;
Use will be made of media campaigns, in conjunction
with other drug education initiatives, to inform
and educate the community about drug problems# and
to provide positive directions to assist the
community in preventing and overcoming such
problems. Training programs on drug abuse matters for both
lay and professional workers in education, health
and welfare areas will be improved;
24 hour telephone information services on drugs,
staffed by trained counsellors, is recommended in
those States and Terrritories where they do not
already exist.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
The Conference agreed that existing methadone
maintance programs should be expanded and new ones
established; the existing guidelines for the use of
methadone will be reviewed. The Conference was
opposed to the provision of heroin as a treatment
for drug addiction.
it was also agreed that a range of special
treatment and rehabilitation services for drug
abusers be established in teaching hospitals and
other major hospitals.
Treatment and rehabilitation services are to be
made available to drug dependent prisoners.
, SENT D. C. S. H. 062715300; 4 4
S; E18N-T 3H-. 9 2 10: 34 DRUGS OF DEPENDENCE-# 6750;
4
Regular evaluation of programs by community
agencies will be a condition of continued
government funding of services.
Research and Information
The Conference endorsed the establishment of
National and State drug data collection systems.
It was agreed that there is a need for more
ressearch into the prevention and treatment of drug
abuse; it has been agreed in principle that one or
more centres of excellence will be established; the'
States have been invited to bring forward
proposals.
Legislation It was agreed in principle that there should be
uniformity of approach among jurisdictions on
legislation governing'drugs of dependence,' and
broad consistency on key issues such as
classification of drugs and thrust of offences and
penalties. The Conference noted that the
Commonwealth is developing a model legislation
packa . ge covering the regulation of the manufacture,
distribution and medical use of drugs of
dependence; diversion for treatment; and penal
provisions. The package will be developed in
consultation with the States.
The Conference agreed in principle that legislation
be introduced to enable the forfeiture and
confiscation of assets of convicted drug dealers.
This matter is to be discussed further by the
Standing Committee of Attorneys-General.
The Conference agreed that there should be a review
of the controls on the use of barbiturates and it
was agreed that this matter be examined urgently.
Existing controls on cannabis are to be maintained.
Law Enforcement
The Conference endorsed the importance of achieving full
co-operation between law enforcement authorities both
within jurisdictions and between jurisdictions. The
Conference called on all relevant authorities to ensure
that they work together in a co-operative way.
The Conference noted the actions being taken by the
Commonwealth and the States to strengthen their
capabilities to deal with drug trafficking. The
Commonwealth will over the next three years be spending
$ 7 million on computer capacity and $ 10 million on
additional manpower for the'Australian Federal Police.
SENT P: 0. C. S. H. 062715300; 4
062715300;# 6
SEN BYD. HC. S;, 1 8-3-92 ; 10: 35 DRUGS OF DEPENDENCE-4
It will provide additional resources of the order of
million over the next two years to enhance the
capacity of the Australian Bureau of Criminal
Intelligence to provide drugs intelligence to all
participating law enforcement agencies.
The Commonwealth will also provide substantial resources
equipment and staff costing $ 5.5 million over 2
years to strengthen the capacity of the Australian
Customs Service to interdict drugs entering Australia.
Fixed barrier operations will be buttressed with
additional surveillance, enhanced communication and xray
machines. There will also be a revised Customs
strategy for the North.
The Conference noted that the Australian Police
Ministers' Council and the Australian Transport Advisory
Council would be considering measures to upgrade
waterfront security, including a recommendation for a
) new National Port Security Authority.
The Conference also noted the recently introduced
arrangements for coastal surveillance,. including the
Coaslal Protection Unit within the Australian Federal
Police. The importance of ensuring adequate
surveillance of the Australian coastline was recognised.
Australia's strong commitment to international efforts
to combat drug trafficking will continue. opportunities
for increased co-operation with other countries on
narcotics matters will be actively pursued.
The Conference agreed that telephone interception powers
can be a valuable aid in investigation of drug
trafficking. The Commonwealth will extend such powers
in relation to drug trafficking to the States, subject
to stringent controls being exercised over their use.
The controls will include a requirement for judicial
) warrants
The Commonwealth will create a new offence of sending
illicit drugs through the mail. The AFP will have
powers to examine suspected mail.
The Commonwealth has decided in principle to amend the
Customs Act to clarify powers to detain and search
persons concealing drugs internally to bring themi Into
Australia; the emphasis will be on detention with
medical search as a last resort.
-SENT 6Y: D C. S. H. ; 18-3-92 1 0* 35 ; DRUGS OF DEPENDENCE-062715300;; 7
6
WHO Recommendations
The Conference agreed to refer to the Health Ministers'
Conference, for consideration without specific
endorsement# strategies on alcohol and tobacco as
recommended by the World Health Organisation.
Drugs and Driving
The Conference agreed that States should give
consideration to the introduction of zero or equivalent
blood alcohol levels for novice drivers, stringent
application of penalties, and more severe penalties for
persistent drink driving offenders.
StrateqX Document
The Conference agreed that a document settifl4 out the
aims and strategy of the National Campaign Against Drug
Abuse should be prepared by the Commonwealth, in
consultation with the States, for release as soon as
possible.