For more than 20 years in Australia, people and their families, have been subjected to an unworkable illicit drug policy. Compared to other countries in the developed world, Australia’s drug use is one of the highest. Sweden, on the other hand, has taken a different policy approach and has the lowest. In Sweden, young people don’t think drugs are cool. They take their personal health seriously.

What can we do in Australia to change the fact that over 100,000 young people have taken amphetamines in the last week and more than 500,000 in the last year?

To open up the debate and begin the change process, Drug Free Australia (DFA) will convene an International Anti-Drug Conference in South Australia, from 27-29 April 2007.

The Conference will take an in depth look at what is currently happening with illicit drugs in Australia. Its 3-day agenda will:

• Introduce a wide range of international keynote speakers
• address numerous myths and misunderstandings about current australian drug trends and policy
• debate strongly the validity of the Harm Minimisation approach to illicit drugs and
• showcase successful prevention strategies, used in other countries
• listen to community concerns about illicit drugs

‘South Australia has been selected for a number of reasons’, said Ms Jo Baxter, DFA’s Executive Officer:

• Adelaide is a central location for Australian delegates and very accessible in terms of facilities for visitors
• It leads the way, (with Victoria) in taking a direct stance against drug driving, having introduced testing for illicit drugs such as cannabis and ecstasy”.
• research indicates that SA has enormous issues to deal with in terms of illicit drug use. For example, findings from the 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey show that almost 40% of the South Australian population aged 14 years and over have used illicit drugs. The substance most commonly ever used was cannabis, with over a third of the population aged 14 years and over reporting they had used cannabis at least once in their lifetime. Meth/amphetamine was the second most commonly used type of illicit substance, followed by hallucinogens and ecstasy. SA statistics on life time use of cannabis were higher than other states, as were amphetamines’.
• Adelaide’s controversial debate on pill testing at Rave Parties also needs to be fully explored. The conference will offer opportunities for opinion from the wider community, as well as that of those who hold positions of power and decision-making”.
• South Australia’s soft cannabis laws have lead to it becoming the ‘Cannabis Capital’ of Australia, and bootlegging deals across state borders are common.

“We want more emphasis placed on effective drug prevention policy rather than merely the ‘bandaid approach’ of Harm Minimisation, said Ms Baxter”.

According to DFA’s Chair, Mr Craig Thompson, there is other alarming research, such as that carried out by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, indicating that Australia’s drug addiction rates now exceed those of the United States – that is, 30% Australians admitted to having a drug problem compared to 6.5% of Americans.

The Conference will provide valuable input into Drug Free Australia’s strategic direction over the next 3 years. We are determined to listen to ordinary people within our communities and keep governments, politicians and policy makers informed.

One of Sweden’s top experts on the cross-sectorial approach to drug control, Eva Brannmark – who has worked extensively with Torgny Peterson in European Cities Against Drugs and American Cities Against Drugs – will speak about how Sweden has dramatically reduced its drug issues through targeting cannabis and amphetamines. 

Amongst the other top speakers are United Nations International Narcotics Control Board Member, Brian Watters and a Dutch expert – Dr. Frans Koopmans.

New Jersey drugs expert David Evans will give a keynote address about school drug policy as will UK based expert Peter Walker.

Darren Marton – who at one stage was a full blown ice addict – will talk about his incredible recovery.  He now runs the ‘No Way’ campaign.  Former heroin addict and prostitute Bronwyn Healy from the HOPE Foundation will talk about her remarkable recovery.  She now heads up a special foundation to help people with drugs issues, as does Jade Lewis from WA.

Drug Free Australia Executive Officer, Jo Baxter, says this conference will appeal to many people in the health field, as well as to families..

Jo Baxter said, “If you a health worker, a GP or a counsellor, you’ll want to go to this conference.  If you work in an alcohol or drugs treatment agency, this conference will be very enlightening.  Politicians will want to attend and people in the mental health field and treatment services will find the conference very valuable. For parents and carers who are either concerned about the future for their children, or are looking for workable solutions for those already affected by drugs, this conference is a must..”

“Clearly people in business, local government and the education sectors will also find this conference vital.”

Amongst the other highlights of this massive conference will be Belgian expert Dr. Ivan Van Damme who will talk about elements of patho-physiology and related consequences of drug addiction.  Norwegian expert Kerstin Kall will talk about flawed research into needle and syringe programs.  New Zealand author Trevor Grice will speak about the impact of drugs and alcohol on the brain and Dr. Greg Pike from The Southern Cross Bioethics Institute will speak about the medical use of marijuana.
Page 2

Australian National Council on Drugs Chairman, Dr. John Herron, will talk about “The State Of The Nation – Amphetamines And Other Drugs” and the Honourable Christopher Pyne will talk about the Federal Government’s fight against drugs.

Jo Baxter said, “This is the first international conference on drug abuse to be convened by Drug Free Australia.  It is an opportunity to hear 7 international speakers as well as high profile Australian speakers, to hear the latest on drugs issues.  It’s a chance for people to understand what has to change and why and an opportunity for people to network with people who can influence change.”
 

“This conference will certainly be looking at the real size and impact of Australia’s illicit drugs problems.  It will examine if Australia has lost its way when compared to the rest of the world.  It will look at how Australian drug policies compare to overseas countries – especially OECD countries.  There’s no question, people in the sector are doing an excellent job but it is time to reassess Australia’s future directions and that’s certainly part of what this conference is about.  People will gain a greater insight into prevention strategies.”

The three day conference will be held at the Stamford Plaza in Adelaide from Friday April 27th to Sunday April 29th, 2007 inclusive.  To get more information, people should simply email conference@aomevents.com or visit www.alloccasionsgroup/dfa.  

Drug Free Australia’s Patron, Dr. Margaret Court – the tennis legend – will officially welcome delegates to the event and a range of special sessions will happen at the end of each day to sum up issues and suggested solutions.