World spotlight on Australia’s Tough on Drugs strategy
Australia’s success in tackling the drug problem will be in the international spotlight when the nation’s leaders host two world authorities on drug control, the Minister responsible for illicit drug policy, Christopher Pyne, said on 20 June. Mr Pyne welcomed the visit of Mr Antonio Maria Costa, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and Mr Akira Fujino, the Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific.
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20 June 2007
CP70/07
Australia’s success in tackling the drug problem will be in the international spotlight from today when the nation’s leaders host two world authorities on drug control, the Minister responsible for illicit drug policy, Christopher Pyne, said today.
Mr Pyne welcomed the visit of Mr Antonio Maria Costa, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and Mr Akira Fujino, the Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific.
“The UNODC is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime, including corruption, human trafficking and terrorist financing,” Mr Pyne said.
“Mr Costa plays a vital role in guiding global drug policies, tackling international crime and terrorist issues, as well as investing in programs to counter drug use and crime around the world. Our nation is a major donor to the UNODC and a strong supporter of its work,” he said.
“Mr Costa knows Australia’s track record. He has been very positive about the approach taken by Australia in responding to illicit drug problems, and our growing success in reducing levels of drug use.
“Mr Costa has noted that ‘Australia’s success in curbing addiction for all types of narcotics is remarkable’.
“He has also praised Australia's efforts to inform people about the risks of using cannabis. The use of cannabis in Australia has fallen significantly since 1998 - linked to the implementation of the Tough on Drugs Initiative.
“Through the initiative, we have invested more than any of our predecessor governments, a total of now some $1.4 billion. This investment has been sustained over the last 10 years.
“We have achieved much – overall illicit drug use is down, deaths have dropped and we have a stronger and more robust non-government treatment sector. Our researchers are some of the leading authorities in the world.
“Internationally, Australian agencies have an established history of collaborative activity with counterpart agencies from other countries. These partnerships play a key role in combating trafficking of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals into Australia.
“The Australian Government welcomes Mr Costa and looks forward to hearing his reflections on the world drug problem and specific challenges we face in Australia,” Mr Pyne said.
Media contact: Adam Howard 0400 414 833
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