In commenting on the campaign, Chair Craig Thompson said that “there is still much more to be done – given that Australia’s illicit drug use rates are still some of the highest in the OECD. Current drug driving statistics are also alarming. For example in recent roadside drug testing, 1 in 40 drivers tested positive to illicit drug use in SA”.

We are pleased that this campaign will target the most commonly used illicit drugs, including cannabis, ecstasy and methamphetamines (ICE). In particular, it is good to see that cannabis has again been highlighted, as there remains much confusion in the community about its legal status, due to current decriminalisation laws concerning the drug.

Media campaigns that target a diverse range of outlets have proven effective, and we hope that this one will also achieve a great deal. Research shows that effective penetration of the message is best achieved through ongoing campaigns, such as those aired in the United States when it successfully combated methamphetamines. DFA therefore, strongly recommends that the campaign needs to last for longer than 10 weeks.

Drug Free Australia agrees with the government, that any change in the uptake of illicit drug use in this country will need long term strategies, especially those that will effect cultural change at grassroots level within communities. Over the past three years, DFA has achieved vast support for its drug awareness and prevention education initiatives at many levels, including in schools, workplaces and in partnership with voluntary service organisations and NGO’s.

We are pleased to note that the $18 million being allocated to this campaign is only part of a designated $800 million over 5 years. DFA looks forward to more detail on how the remaining allocations are to be spent.