Fed: First broad ranging inquiry into drug abuse in 20 years

AAP General News (Australia)
04-14-2000
Fed: First broad ranging inquiry into drug abuse in 20 years

A federal parliamentary committee is to investigate the social and economic impact
of legal and illegal drugs on the community.

The House of Representatives Family and Community Affairs Committee investigation will
look at how drug abuse affects family relationships, crime, violence and law enforcement,
road trauma, workplace safety and productivity and health care costs.

Committee chairman BARRY WAKELIN says the inquiry is welcome but overdue.

He says it's been 20 years since parliament held a broad-ranging inquiry into the problem
and drugs impact has changed radically in that time.

The inquiry will be advertised nationally from tomorrow.

Mr WAKELIN says there's evidence drug abuse costs Australia more than $18 billion annually.

Anybody who's been affected by legal or illegal drugs is invited to contact the committee
which will hold a series of public hearings later in the year.

AAP RTV eg/mfh/arb/jn

KEYWORD: ABUSE (CANBERRA)

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