I am pleased to announce funding of $4 million for 63 projects across
Australia that involve local community groups and the government working
together to combat illicit drug use, especially among young people.
This is an important component of the government's Tough on Drugs
Strategy and is another example of the social coalition at work to address
difficult social issues.
By working in partnership, the government, community groups, business
and committed individuals can be more effective in the fight against drug
abuse.
The Community Partnerships Initiative began in 1997 and has marked Australia
as a world leader in encouraging responses that involve the whole community
working together to solve drug problems.
Today's funding announcement will directly assist groups like the
Plenty Valley Community Health Service in Victoria with its "Youth
Input" project which will involve young people directly in developing
preventative measures to combat illicit drug use.
The grants cover projects in all states and territories. Recipients in
New South Wales include the Macarthur Drug and Alcohol Youth Project's
"Parent Links" programme to run information and awareness sessions
for parents to encourage greater involvement in drug prevention and education.
These are grass roots projects that involve practical steps to fight
drug abuse in local communities by drawing on the skills and understanding
of community organisations, supported by government funding.
I commend each of the programme recipients for their work in this difficult
area.