Flexistentialist
Bluelight Crew
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2002
- Messages
- 1,742
Just got this press release from Christopher Pyne's office.
And this from the Australian National Council on Drugs:
10 May 2005
CP023/05
Reducing the harm which illicit drugs cause to the community is a priority for the Howard Government. In the past nine years, the Government has provided more than $1 billion in funding for its Tough on Drugs strategy, resulting in less people using illicit drugs and more drugs being seized.
The 2005-06 Budget provides $21.8 million in new funding for programs to help young people say "no" to illegal drugs and to provide more treatment and rehabilitation to drug users.
The new funding for 2005-06 comprises:
The campaign includes national advertising, public relations activities, booklets, a web site and a telephone information line.
The additional funding for the Non-Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program is to ensure existing treatment services can continue to operate after the current contracts end in June 2006. Around 170 services across Australia are presently funded. Since the program began in 1997, more than $124 million has been provided in funding.
An additional $8 million will be provided to help Indigenous communities reduce the incidence of drug and alcohol abuse among their people. This funding will be allocated, in consultation with the Australian National Council on Drugs and the Ministerial Taskforce on Indigenous Affairs, to ensure it is directed to effective and appropriate activities.
The Government will increase its support for Of Substance magazine, to make it more accessible for health professionals. People working in the alcohol, tobacco and other drugs sector will no longer have to pay a $50 subscription to receive the magazine, which provides the latest information on drug research and best practice. The cost of this measure will be absorbed within the Health and Ageing portfolio.
The Australian National Council on Drugs is the key independent body advising the government on drug issues and comprises experts from voluntary and community organisations, law enforcement, and the health and social welfare areas.
The extra $1 million in funding, over the coming three financial years, recognises the increased costs associated with its responsibilities, which are to enhance the partnership between government and the community. The Council has pivotal advisory, advocacy and representative functions, with a significant role to provide government Ministers with independent, expert advice on matters related to licit and illicit drugs.
CP023/05
Reducing the harm which illicit drugs cause to the community is a priority for the Howard Government. In the past nine years, the Government has provided more than $1 billion in funding for its Tough on Drugs strategy, resulting in less people using illicit drugs and more drugs being seized.
The 2005-06 Budget provides $21.8 million in new funding for programs to help young people say "no" to illegal drugs and to provide more treatment and rehabilitation to drug users.
The new funding for 2005-06 comprises:
- * $0.85 million for the National Illicit Drugs Campaign;
* $12.0 million for the Non-Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program over two years from 2006-07;
* $8.0 million for Capacity Building in Indigenous Communities to address problems with alcohol and drug abuse; and
* $1.0 million for the Australian National Council on Drugs over three years.
The campaign includes national advertising, public relations activities, booklets, a web site and a telephone information line.
The additional funding for the Non-Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program is to ensure existing treatment services can continue to operate after the current contracts end in June 2006. Around 170 services across Australia are presently funded. Since the program began in 1997, more than $124 million has been provided in funding.
An additional $8 million will be provided to help Indigenous communities reduce the incidence of drug and alcohol abuse among their people. This funding will be allocated, in consultation with the Australian National Council on Drugs and the Ministerial Taskforce on Indigenous Affairs, to ensure it is directed to effective and appropriate activities.
The Government will increase its support for Of Substance magazine, to make it more accessible for health professionals. People working in the alcohol, tobacco and other drugs sector will no longer have to pay a $50 subscription to receive the magazine, which provides the latest information on drug research and best practice. The cost of this measure will be absorbed within the Health and Ageing portfolio.
The Australian National Council on Drugs is the key independent body advising the government on drug issues and comprises experts from voluntary and community organisations, law enforcement, and the health and social welfare areas.
The extra $1 million in funding, over the coming three financial years, recognises the increased costs associated with its responsibilities, which are to enhance the partnership between government and the community. The Council has pivotal advisory, advocacy and representative functions, with a significant role to provide government Ministers with independent, expert advice on matters related to licit and illicit drugs.
And this from the Australian National Council on Drugs:
MEDIA RELEASE
Federal Budget Announcement Very Welcome but 'More to Do Yet'
In response to the 2005-06 Federal Budget, Commissioner Mick Keelty, Professor Margaret Hamilton & Mr Garth Popple, Co Deputy Chairs of the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) have stated "We are very pleased that new funding has been announced tonight for illicit and licit drug initiatives. In particular it is pleasing to see additional funds going to assist Indigenous communities and non-government organisations providing treatment. The focus on youth smoking is also very welcome."
The 2005-06 Federal Budget revealed the following additional funds:
In summing up the ANCD view Mr Gino Vumbaca, ANCD Executive Officer said that - "It is very pleasing to see the continuance of this Government's commitment to funding new drug and alcohol initiatives. Of course, as we know, the ANCD members also have a very strong commitment to ensuring that the gains made in recent times, such as reduced drug use and reduced crime, are maintained - and this requires both ongoing funding for existing programs, as well as targeted funding for potential problems.
I am sure the ANCD with its enhanced role under this Budget will be vigilant and astute in its advice to government on continuing to address the multitude of needs in communities caused by illicit and licit drug use. Indeed ANCD members are already looking forward to meeting with the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and other Ministers to discuss how best to address these needs in the 2006 Federal Budget."
Federal Budget Announcement Very Welcome but 'More to Do Yet'
In response to the 2005-06 Federal Budget, Commissioner Mick Keelty, Professor Margaret Hamilton & Mr Garth Popple, Co Deputy Chairs of the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) have stated "We are very pleased that new funding has been announced tonight for illicit and licit drug initiatives. In particular it is pleasing to see additional funds going to assist Indigenous communities and non-government organisations providing treatment. The focus on youth smoking is also very welcome."
The 2005-06 Federal Budget revealed the following additional funds:
- Extension of the 'Comgas' Scheme to reduce petrol sniffing - $9.6 million over 4 years
Increasing capacity for Indigenous communities to address substance use - $8.0 million over 4 years
* A National Youth Anti-Smoking Campaign - $25.0 million over 4 years
* Reducing smoking during pregnancy - $4.3 million over 3 years
* Additional Funding for ANCD - $1.0 million over 3 years
* Additional NGO Treatment Grants - $12.0 million over 2 years
* Extension of the National Illicit Drug Campaign - $0.85 million over 1 year
- * Youth Mental Health Initiative (inc. co-morbidity issues) - $69.0 million over 4 years
* Termination of the Retractable Needle & Syringe Program - Saving $51.1 million over 4 years
In summing up the ANCD view Mr Gino Vumbaca, ANCD Executive Officer said that - "It is very pleasing to see the continuance of this Government's commitment to funding new drug and alcohol initiatives. Of course, as we know, the ANCD members also have a very strong commitment to ensuring that the gains made in recent times, such as reduced drug use and reduced crime, are maintained - and this requires both ongoing funding for existing programs, as well as targeted funding for potential problems.
I am sure the ANCD with its enhanced role under this Budget will be vigilant and astute in its advice to government on continuing to address the multitude of needs in communities caused by illicit and licit drug use. Indeed ANCD members are already looking forward to meeting with the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and other Ministers to discuss how best to address these needs in the 2006 Federal Budget."
