Page 2526 - Week 08 - Thursday, 19 August 1993
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Madam Speaker, the council also noted the progress of a subcommittee examining steroid use in Australia - a topical subject, given that there is an opposition Bill before the Assembly which will effectively prohibit steroid use. This subcommittee will further examine the use of steroids and harm associated with that use. The council noted the release of the current public education campaign on amphetamines and the release of two publications by the national drug strategy which provide a description of amphetamine use and treatment modalities. Also of topical interest was the endorsement by all governments, except the Northern Territory, of the national methadone policy. The Northern Territory does not have a methadone program. I am pleased to say that the ACT program falls well within this policy in terms of access, support and supervising of dosing.
Madam Speaker, the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy provides a unique forum in Australia for governments to examine their approaches to reducing the harm related to drug use. I believe that the ACT is well ahead in dealing with drug-related harm. I believe that we have a sensible approach to encouraging the responsible use of alcohol and harm minimisation measures in relation to illicit drug use. We are also regarded in many ways as a leader in tobacco harm-reduction strategies, but this does not mean that we can rest on our laurels. Madam Speaker, I consider that this Territory can be proud of our achievements in this field. I present a copy of this statement, and I move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
MR MOORE (3.17): I might take a few moments to respond to the paper, Madam Speaker. I would like to begin my response by referring to this statement by Mr Berry:
I believe that the ACT is well ahead in dealing with drug-related harm.
I would like to support that sentiment - it is the case - and then move to the statement of the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy which said:
We consider Australia's present approach to illegal drugs, which combines law enforcement and harm reduction, is balanced, realistic and pragmatic.
That is what one would expect from a council patting itself on the back. Madam Speaker, if the council is going to have a balanced, realistic and pragmatic approach, then we really ought to ask ourselves what part Australia has played in ensuring that illicit drugs have now become the second most lucrative business in the world, surpassing the petroleum industry late last year. That figure comes from the International Narcotics Control Board. The head of that board, Giorgio Giocomelli, made that statement on 17 December last year at a press conference in Parliament House here in Canberra.
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