❓ A parliamentary question on notice regarding the effectiveness of the previous government's drug treatment programs and the current government's approach to drug policy, including funding commitments. The response defends current policy and criticises the previous government's approach based on drug use statistics.
AnsweredQoN 1214Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAMS
I refer to comments attributed to the Premier in The West Australian on 27 March 2002 that the prohibition policies of the former Government had not reduced the use of drugs or prevented one drug death. (1) Does the Premier seriously hold this view, or is it just hyperbole spoken in the heat of the moment? (2) If the Premier holds this view, does that mean that the efforts of many drug treatment providers, funded by the former Government to the tune of $50 million per annum, achieved nothing? (3) Will the Government now reduce the funding made available to drug treatment programs? Hon KIM CHANCE
I refer to comments attributed to the Premier in The West Australian on 27 March 2002 that the prohibition policies of the former Government had not reduced the use of drugs or prevented one drug death. (1) Does the Premier seriously hold this view, or is it just hyperbole spoken in the heat of the moment? (2) If the Premier holds this view, does that mean that the efforts of many drug treatment providers, funded by the former Government to the tune of $50 million per annum, achieved nothing? (3) Will the Government now reduce the funding made available to drug treatment programs? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of the question. (1) Yes. (2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
(1) Does the Premier seriously hold this view, or is it just hyperbole spoken in the heat of the moment? (2) If the Premier holds this view, does that mean that the efforts of many drug treatment providers, funded by the former Government to the tune of $50 million per annum, achieved nothing? (3) Will the Government now reduce the funding made available to drug treatment programs? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of the question. (1) Yes. (2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
(2) If the Premier holds this view, does that mean that the efforts of many drug treatment providers, funded by the former Government to the tune of $50 million per annum, achieved nothing? (3) Will the Government now reduce the funding made available to drug treatment programs? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of the question. (1) Yes. (2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
(3) Will the Government now reduce the funding made available to drug treatment programs? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of the question. (1) Yes. (2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of the question. (1) Yes. (2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of the question. (1) Yes. (2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
(1) Yes. (2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
(2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
(3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
(1) Does the Premier seriously hold this view, or is it just hyperbole spoken in the heat of the moment? (2) If the Premier holds this view, does that mean that the efforts of many drug treatment providers, funded by the former Government to the tune of $50 million per annum, achieved nothing? (3) Will the Government now reduce the funding made available to drug treatment programs? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of the question. (1) Yes. (2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
(2) If the Premier holds this view, does that mean that the efforts of many drug treatment providers, funded by the former Government to the tune of $50 million per annum, achieved nothing? (3) Will the Government now reduce the funding made available to drug treatment programs? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of the question. (1) Yes. (2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
(3) Will the Government now reduce the funding made available to drug treatment programs? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of the question. (1) Yes. (2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of the question. (1) Yes. (2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of the question. (1) Yes. (2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
(1) Yes. (2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
(2) No. The overall failure of the response of the previous Government should in no way be taken to construe a lack of effort or achievement by the many individuals and professionals involved in drug response. The current Government’s response of “people first”, which was shaped by the recommendations of the Western Australian Community Drug Summit, represents a quantum shift from the previous Government’s focus on the principle of “first and foremost, opposition to drug abuse”. Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
Hon Simon O’Brien: So it is just hyperbole spoken in the - Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
Hon KIM CHANCE: No, that is specifically denied. In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
In 1995, the previous Government set its own objectives, which included the establishment of two benchmarks by which Western Australia’s performance should be judged: first, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm in Australia; and, second, following further research, the lowest levels of drug abuse and harm when compared with similar countries. At that time, the previous Government also stated that, accordingly, if we consider what the drug abuse situation should be in five years - that is, by 2001 - assuming the implementation of the recommendations of the task force, the State should be able to demonstrate the lowest levels of illicit and licit drug abuse in Australia; substantial improvements in the problems pertaining to groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth; and a framework of programs and organisations to maintain these gains against national and international forces. The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
The evidence suggests overwhelming failure of the previous Government’s approach to drugs. Indeed, the Task Force on Drug Abuse noted that in 1995 Western Australia had among the lowest levels of use of illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in the world. The working paper prepared by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office for the Community Drug Summit shows that it now appears that Western Australia has the second highest rate of illicit drug use in Australia. The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
The Community Drug Summit also emphasised the priority needs of groups such as Aboriginal people and homeless youth, among whom drug use has literally exploded in recent years. In stark contrast with its objectives, the policy of the previous Government has been paralleled by an explosion in illicit drug use. It has resulted in the stereotyping of drug users and the alienation of the groups most in need. (3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
(3) No. As a result of the Community Drug Summit, the Government has committed at least $5 million to the implementation of the Drug Summit’s recommendations.
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