Pubdate: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 Source: Border Mail (Australia) Copyright: 2001 Border Mail Contact: http://www.bordermail.com.au/ DRUG FORUM WELCOME STEP Drug Abuse Is One Of Australia's Greatest Social Issues. Drug abuse destroys lives. It creates victims from all walks of life, ranging from the users, their families, the people who suffer from the criminal activities of drug addicts who need to feed their habits, through to taxpayers who bear the significant burden of the cost of treatment and the search for answers. The problem is not exclusive to our capital cities and major regional centres. It is an issue for every community. Debate about solutions, including safe injecting rooms has so far been the domain of our major cities. That situation must not be allowed to continue. Albury-Wodonga, as a community with a significant drug problem, must join the debate. The drug forum planned for early next month is a welcome step forward. The member for Benambra, Mr Tony Plowman, deserves credit for instigating the forum. The forum is about this community being prepared to confront the issue of drug abuse and debate solutions in a forthright, but rational manner. Please do not think drug abuse is not your problem or your responsibility — it is. The March 2 forum is the start of an overdue process in this community. We urge you to be a part of it. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart