NSW: More money for drug rehabilitation Carr

AAP General News (Australia)
04-09-1999
NSW: More money for drug rehabilitation Carr

SYDNEY, April 9 AAP - New South Wales Premier Bob Carr promised more funds for the
rehabilitation of drug addicts, as a result of undertakings at today's premiers' conference.

"I think there's going to be more cooperation between the commonwealth and all the state
governments," he told Channel Ten.

"It means increases in funds for rehabilitation places. That means we can get police and
the new Drugs Court steering offenders who have offended and have a drug problem towards
rehabilitation."

Mr Carr reaffirmed that a drugs summit would go ahead in the NSW Parliament.

"I'm going to force every member of the parliament to spend a week researching and thinking
about new approaches to help families struggling with a problem of someone who is drug
dependent," he said.

"It's a very high priority. There are no easy answers but I'm determined to see that the
whole parliament of NSW is galvanised to looking at every possible policy that can make a
difference."

Agreement at the meeting means drug users will be forced into detoxification programs or
face jail under a major new drugs program which will cost more than $1 million a week.

Federal, state and territory leaders agreed on the $220 million, four-year package but
criticised the money on offer, saying it was a pittance.

AAP dep/it

KEYWORD: DRUGS CARR

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