No WA injecting centre
The Western Australian Government has committed to not open an illicit drug injecting room.
(Source: Office of the Minister of Mental Health 9 November 2010)
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-
This is the latest state government to commit publicly to not have an injecting centre.
It follows commitments from both sides of politics in Victoria to not have an injecting centre after the state election later this month.
The only injecting centre in Australia is at Kings Cross in New South Wales.
Other Australian states and territories by their example have no injecting centres, leaving New South Wales out on their own.
Injecting centres maintain illicit drug use and this is clearly seen by governments as not in the best interests of illicit drug users and the wider community.
Injecting of illicit drugs must not ever be considered as an exclusive health issue as it has implications across all levels of government being international, national and state or territory.
Significantly, illicit drug use is increasingly under the jurisdiction of mental health ministers as the link between mental health and illicit drug use is now proven.
World's best practice is showing that court ordered and supervised detoxification and rehabilitation that gets users into a long term drug free lifestyle is best for reducing demand for drugs.
International criminal drug traffickers are major beneficiaries of drug maintenance programs as they supply the illicit drugs.
THE DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS-
More detoxification & rehabilitation that gets illicit drug users drug free.
Court ordered and supervised detoxification & rehabilitation.
Less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.
41/2010
