Page 807 - Week 03 - Thursday, 25 March 1993
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independent and separate benzodiazepine referral centre. This does not presume that that resolves the problem, but it acts as an agency for government and non-government programs which can assist people with benzodiazepine dependence. Such a service would avoid some of the problems people have in trying to give up their dependence, such as being able to be easily identified. It would be a source of much needed information and a place that can deal sympathetically with people who are taking their first steps towards controlling or ceasing their benzodiazepine dependence.
I agree that all programs which address drug dependencies, including dependency on prescription drugs, should continue to be funded. As I have stated, even without statistical data, as recommended by recommendations Nos 1 and 2, it is evident from the facilities that do exist that there is a need, and the committee has satisfied itself that the current programs are needed. While I do not think any one program has all the answers, I am enthusiastic about the COPE program which has been run, on occasions, very successfully from the Weston Creek Community Service by a community worker, Keris Delaney, in conjunction with a number of health professionals.
The Drugs Committee's report properly highlights the importance of the COPE program, and its need to operate more extensively throughout the year and to increase the number of places available. The women who participated in the Weston Creek Community Service program appreciated the opportunity to discuss their dependence and to receive support from other women in a community setting. There is absolutely no doubt that the program could be publicised more widely, with information being disseminated throughout the community. It is appropriate that COPE programs be properly evaluated and fully accountable to government in terms of their funding. I am hopeful that, because of their success, the Government will see fit to fund more of these programs in the future, especially on a community model basis.
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to the members of the Select Committee on Drugs - Mr Moore as presiding member, Mrs Carnell and Mrs Grassby - for their report on benzodiazepines and dependence, and I look forward to their final report.
MR MOORE (11.39), in reply: My comments will conclude the debate, Madam Speaker. I draw members' attention to paragraph 3.18 of the report, which contains a quote from a comment Dr Butlin gave in evidence to the committee in looking at benzodiazepine prescribing. He said:
Unfortunately, if you look at the changes in prescribing patterns, although benzodiazepines use might be on the decline, there are already some suggestions that other substances may be taken up instead. It seems to have been the pattern; that prescribing tends to switch from one substance to another.
In terms of education, Madam Speaker, it seems to me that there is a move in our society, though, to have people take more control over their own welfare and to use doctors and medical practitioners more for advice. Whilst the committee made it very clear that the education of medical practitioners is important, the education of the community as a whole is also important, and that education should take into account that many of us can survive very well without the use of drugs.
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