Crime statistics revealing significant increases in drug offences and drug use across NSW highlighted the urgent need for a high profile campaign to alert the community to the dangers of illegal drugs, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell said today.

In the two years to December 2008, the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) found possession and/or use of:

“These alarming statistics require an urgent and strong response from the State Government,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“They require a high profile, strong public education campaign that warns people about the dangers of illegal drugs,” he said.

“It should also seek to equip parents with information on how to identify signs their children are using illegal drugs and where to go for help.

“Official federal figures reveal that NSW spends less money on drug prevention than any other State or territory.  [See table below]

“We should also seek to banish the term ‘recreational drugs’ from the vocabulary of both the community and the media.

“We’re talking about harmful and dangerous drugs.  Use of the term ‘recreational drugs’ sends a far different message about them.

“We need to warn young people about the dangers of drugs – we haven’t had such a campaign since the drugs summit ten years ago.

“Current State policy is failing to tackle the scourge of illegal drugs in our community.

“NSW needs greater investment in a comprehensive, public program aimed at preventing use of illegal drugs like cocaine and ecstasy.

“These latest crime figures demonstrate that use of illegal drugs is a growth industry in NSW.  They suggest we have taken our eye off the ball.

“We must use their release to better educate families about the dangers of illegal drug use,” Mr O’Farrell said.

(Australian Health and Welfare: National Public Health Expenditure Report. Released 13/2/2008)

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