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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 7 Hansard (1 July) . . Page.. 2053 ..

MR MOORE

are provided through rehabilitation with behavioural strategies to assist them to remain either drug free or to control their drug use; and

are supported and given another chance to become drug free, whether they fail once or a dozen times in achieving that goal.

The introduction of a national approach to diversion needs to complement and broaden existing initiatives, rather than override them.

Of course, we must continue to work hard on the prevention and health promotion end of the continuum, to discourage young people from misusing all drugs, including tobacco and alcohol.

It is for this reason, Mr Speaker, that I am delighted to announce that a National Tobacco Strategy was endorsed by the Ministerial Council, representing the first of the National Drug Actions to be developed.

The overall goal of the Strategy is to improve the health of all Australians by eliminating or reducing exposure to tobacco in all its forms.

As fellow Members will be aware, Mr Speaker, the ACT has demonstrated national leadership in this area through its landmark implementation of smoke-free legislation.

Our cutting-edge approach will be taken even further this week, when a Tobacco Amendment Bill, which will end point of sale advertising and limit tobacco product display, is introduced into the Assembly

Health and Law Enforcement Ministers also agreed to ensure that appropriate State and Territory authorities restrict the sale of alcoholic liquor pops to licensed outlets, a very important initiative given the possible consequences of availability of this product to minors.

In the development of a coordinated national approach to illicit drugs, it is essential that health promotion and education programs are comprehensive and well-targeted.

Even in schools, a range of approaches to illicit drug use is important. Simply telling young people to "say no to drugs" will not always work and support structures need to be in place for those young people who continue to use drugs.

The Draft Drug Education Policy Framework, recently released for consultation by the Department of Education and Community Services, provides clear support and direction to ACT schools in this area.

Additionally, the ACT Government will work with the Commonwealth to assist school communities to respond to illicit drug use including through:

development of enhanced protocols on a national basis;