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Unions NSW - Statement on Drug Policy Reform

Summary

This initiative is timely given the significant public debate occurring regarding the approach that the NSW and Federal governments and the community should take on drug use in our society.

This debate is occurring against a background of growing community concern over the failure of government efforts to eliminate both the supply and the consumption of drugs, not withstanding the financial and legal resources expended on the drug problem to date.

Labor Council is concerned at the impact of the drug problem on workers, particularly in areas such as emergency services, hospitality, retail, health and community services who deal with the consequences of drug abuse as well as the impact on families of those who are affected directly or indirectly by drug abuse.

Labor Council is also concerned at the danger to the community due to the hazards created by the unsafe disposal of syringes by drug users in schools, on the streets and other public areas.

Of particular concern to the Labor Council are the Occupational Health and Safety issues associated with drug use. These include:

• Risk of infection associated with exposure to needle stick injury;
• Danger to workers arising from drug abuse in the workplace particularly in high risk industries such as construction or transport;
• Increased incidence of violent behaviour in the workplace and against workers;
• The use of stimulants or other "performance enhancing" drugs to accommodate irregular or long shifts resulting in diminished work performance and safety.

The Labor Council believes that the Occupational Health and Safety issues are best dealt with by a set of strategies that minimise the harm caused to workers and their families by drug abuse.

Despite government's and community's current educational efforts drug usage continues to increase as do deaths from drug related use. Furthermore, despite existing enforcement efforts, the production, importation and distribution of illegal drugs continues to thrive. Notwithstanding government's and society's efforts to date, there continues to be an escalation of crimes against property and associated violent crimes. The drug problem in prisons requires special attention and consideration should be given to the establishment of voluntary, drug-free gaols.

Accordingly, we believe that we need to urgently review current approaches to the drug problem.

We strongly believe that any effective and comprehensive drugs policy for NSW must be based on best available evidence including effective programs both in Australia and overseas. The priority must be on education, rehabilitation and reducing death, disease (ie hepatitis C and HIV), crime and corruption and support for those families and members of our community affected by drug abuse.

Labor Council supports the current work undertaken in terms of drug education which focuses on harm minimisation. Labor Council calls on the government to continue to support these education programs with sufficient resources to ensure their continuation.

Labor Council rejects the simplistic characterisation of this debate as one between prohibition and legalisation.

© Unions NSW 2001.
Unions NSW
Level 3, 4-10 Goulburn St,
Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: (02) 9881 5999 Fax: (02) 9261 3505

URL: http://council.labor.net.au/community/public/drugs19990514.html
Last Modified: Wednesday, 08-Nov-2006 16:10:25 EST

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