A lost chance on drugs
The Federal Budget has failed to deliver any significant advances in the integrated prevention and treatment of Australia's drug problems according to the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA).
ADCA and the AMA have previously welcomed the establishment of the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation, which was re-announced in this Budget.
AMA Federal President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said: "This Budget does nothing to address the legitimate concerns of the Australian public about the enormous damage caused by the misuse of illicit drugs and tobacco. The community is seeking solutions and had a right to expect additional funding for prevention and treatment programs. Make no mistake, this will be an election issue," Dr Phelps said.
ADCA President, Professor Ian Webster, said: "In a recent Bulletin-Morgan Poll, a staggering 11% of the population nominated drugs as one of their most important issues.
"The AMA and ADCA provided the Federal Government with comprehensive budget submissions outlining priority areas for reducing drug related harm. We are extremely disappointed that our submissions have been largely ignored, especially in prevention programs.
"ADCA and the AMA call on the Federal Government to immediately commit themselves to significantly increase resources for programs that:
Prevent the misuse of drugs in an integrated manner;
Treat and rehabilitate dependent drug users; and
Reduce smoking levels.
"ADCA and the AMA also call for a commitment to a national alcohol and other drug workforce development strategy, including compensation for the increased costs associated with the implementation of the GST and changes to fringe benefits tax. This Budget provides only limited compensation for fringe benefits tax changes for Indigenous organisations, but does not provide similar compensation for alcohol and other drug agencies," Professor Webster said.
For further information:
CONTACT: John Flannery AMA Media Director (02) 6270 5400
Wayne Smith ADCA Media Relations (0407) 772 342