4th AUSTRALASIAN DRUG STRATEGY CONFERENCE A VITAL INFORMATION SHARING OPPORTUNITY: SPENCE
Published Tuesday, 23 October, 2007 at 03:57 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police Minister Judy Spence said the fight against drug and alcohol abuse in our society requires authorities from all jurisdictions to work together.
Officially opening the 4th Australasian Drug Strategy Conference on the Gold Coast this morning, Ms Spence said the sharing of information among Australia’s law enforcement agencies bolsters the ability of all state and territory authorities to combat the problem.
“As the prevalence of drugs in our society continues to change, it is clear the best approach to tackling this problem is through co-operation and sharing of information,” Ms Spence said.
“This three day conference provides authorities from all jurisdictions in our region with an opportunity to discuss their policies and practices for dealing with drug and alcohol abuse in Australia.
“This is a problem that we all must continue to fight and I am hopeful this conference will allow all delegates to share their tools for combating the trade and use of drugs in our communities.”
Ms Spence said the cost of drug and alcohol misuse on Queensland communities is significant, resulting in social, economic and health issues.
“Drug and alcohol abuse takes lives, both directly and indirectly – through health associated issues, and through the path of crime that is often a result of the abuse,” Ms Spence said.
“Every facet of our society can be somehow effected by these issues – whether it is in law enforcement, on the sports field, or in our hospitals – drug and alcohol abuse can affect us all.
“That is why we must continue to look at new ways to stem the growth of production, supply and demand of drugs, and to combat the culture of binge drinking in parts of our society.”
“This three day conference themed Meeting the Future – Innovative and effective policy and practice, offers delegates the opportunity to be informed of new developments in policy and practice and work towards finding solutions to what is a global issue impacting every strata of society.”
Ms Spence said a number of initiatives and operations are underway in the Queensland Police Service, targeting the production, supply and use of drugs in Queensland.
“Through a combination of community oriented projects and specialist police operations, our police are achieving great success in both addressing drug use and catching those who produce or supply the drugs,” Ms Spence said.
“A lot of these programs and operations will be discussed at the three day conference, and I have no doubt authorities from other jurisdictions will benefit from the information shared.”
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said more than 400 professionals from government, non-government and community agencies across the health and law enforcement spectrums are attending the Conference to share the wealth of their knowledge and experience.
“Co-hosted by the Queensland Police Service and the Australian Federal Police, delegates come from the law enforcement, health, government, liquor and security industries and all have a professional interest in reducing the negative effects of drugs and alcohol.
“It also presents an opportunity for the Queensland Police Service and the Australian Federal Police to reach beyond the law enforcement community to address drug and alcohol problems.
“We expect lively debate and an open forum for sharing information, through the specialised daily topics being covered by keynote speakers, session speakers and panel members.”
Media Contacts:
Minister’s Office – Nicola Hazell 0439 673 287
ADSC Onsite: Peta-Ann Wood 0407 151 294
Police Media: 3015 2444
Officially opening the 4th Australasian Drug Strategy Conference on the Gold Coast this morning, Ms Spence said the sharing of information among Australia’s law enforcement agencies bolsters the ability of all state and territory authorities to combat the problem.
“As the prevalence of drugs in our society continues to change, it is clear the best approach to tackling this problem is through co-operation and sharing of information,” Ms Spence said.
“This three day conference provides authorities from all jurisdictions in our region with an opportunity to discuss their policies and practices for dealing with drug and alcohol abuse in Australia.
“This is a problem that we all must continue to fight and I am hopeful this conference will allow all delegates to share their tools for combating the trade and use of drugs in our communities.”
Ms Spence said the cost of drug and alcohol misuse on Queensland communities is significant, resulting in social, economic and health issues.
“Drug and alcohol abuse takes lives, both directly and indirectly – through health associated issues, and through the path of crime that is often a result of the abuse,” Ms Spence said.
“Every facet of our society can be somehow effected by these issues – whether it is in law enforcement, on the sports field, or in our hospitals – drug and alcohol abuse can affect us all.
“That is why we must continue to look at new ways to stem the growth of production, supply and demand of drugs, and to combat the culture of binge drinking in parts of our society.”
“This three day conference themed Meeting the Future – Innovative and effective policy and practice, offers delegates the opportunity to be informed of new developments in policy and practice and work towards finding solutions to what is a global issue impacting every strata of society.”
Ms Spence said a number of initiatives and operations are underway in the Queensland Police Service, targeting the production, supply and use of drugs in Queensland.
“Through a combination of community oriented projects and specialist police operations, our police are achieving great success in both addressing drug use and catching those who produce or supply the drugs,” Ms Spence said.
“A lot of these programs and operations will be discussed at the three day conference, and I have no doubt authorities from other jurisdictions will benefit from the information shared.”
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said more than 400 professionals from government, non-government and community agencies across the health and law enforcement spectrums are attending the Conference to share the wealth of their knowledge and experience.
“Co-hosted by the Queensland Police Service and the Australian Federal Police, delegates come from the law enforcement, health, government, liquor and security industries and all have a professional interest in reducing the negative effects of drugs and alcohol.
“It also presents an opportunity for the Queensland Police Service and the Australian Federal Police to reach beyond the law enforcement community to address drug and alcohol problems.
“We expect lively debate and an open forum for sharing information, through the specialised daily topics being covered by keynote speakers, session speakers and panel members.”
Media Contacts:
Minister’s Office – Nicola Hazell 0439 673 287
ADSC Onsite: Peta-Ann Wood 0407 151 294
Police Media: 3015 2444